wouldn't answer a question. But he's a good lad, and I'll not bring
him into trouble by a word to squire or minister."

The children went off to gather cowslips, and Stead was able to talk
it over with Patience, who at first was eager to be rid of the
dangerous trust, and added, with a sigh, "That she had never taken
the Sacrament since the Easter before poor father was killed, and it
must be nigh upon Whitsuntide now."

"That's true," said Stead, "but nobody makes any count of holy days
now. It don't seem right, Patience."

"Not like what it used to be," said Patience. "And yet this minister
is surely a godly man."

"Father and parson didn't say ought about a godly man. They made me
take my solemn promise that I'd only give the things to a lawfully
ordained minister."

"He is a minister, and he comes by law," argued Patience. "Do be
satisfied, Stead. I'm always in fear now that folks guess we have
somewhat in charge; and Emlyn is such a child for prying and
chattering. And if they should come and beat thee again, or do
worse. Oh, Stead! surely you might give them up to a good man like
that; Smith Blane says you ought!"

"I doubt me! I know that sort don't hold with Bishops, and, so far
as I can see, by father's old Prayer-book, a lawful minister must
have a Bishop to lay hands on him," said Stead, who had studied the
subject as far as his means would allow, and had good though slow