three hours to dawn, the moon shines, the snow has ceased, so that
thou wilt reach Michelham in time for early mass. I will take thee
to thine horses."

She led them forth; the horses were quietly saddled and bridled. No
watch was kept; who could dread a foe at such a time and season?
She opened the gateway in an outer defence of osier work and ditch
which encompassed the little settlement.

One maternal kiss--it was the last.

And the three, earl, squire, and boy, went forth into the night,
the boy riding behind the squire.



Chapter 2: Michelham Priory.


At the southern verge of the mighty forest called the Andredsweald,
or Anderida Sylva, Gilbert d'Aquila, last of that name, founded the
Priory of Michelham for the good of his soul.

The forest in question was of vast extent, and stretched across
Sussex from Kent to Southampton Water; dense, impervious save where
a few roads, following mainly the routes traced by the Romans,
penetrated its recesses; the haunts of wild beasts and wilder men.
It was not until many generations had passed away that this tract
of land, whereon stand now so many pretty Sussex villages, was even
inhabitable: like the modern forests of America, it was cleared by