"Best have no womenfolk, nor young maids in such a matter," said the
Vicar.

"My wench takes after her good mother," said John, "and I ever found
my secrets were safer in her breast than in mine own. Not that I
would have her told without need. But she might take little Rusha
there, or make the place known to others an she be not warned."

"Steadfast must do as he sees occasion, with your counsel, Master
Kenton," said the Vicar. "It is a great trust we place in you, my
son, to be as it were in charge of the vessels of the sanctuary, and
I would have thy hand and word."

"And," said his father, "though he be slower in speech than some,
your reverence may trust him."

Steadfast gave his brown red hand, and with head bare said, "I
promise, after the minister and before God, never to give up that
which lies within the cave to any man, save a lawfully ordained
minister of the Church."




CHAPTER II.

THE STRAGGLERS.