it, but she said she should keep it for a remembrance.

After this rest, the beautiful Whitsuntide Matins was said in the
fair forest church, and before six o'clock this strange and blessed
festival had ended, though not the peace and thankfulness in the
hearts of the little flock.

Indeed, instead of a sermon, Dr. Eales's parting words were "And he
went in the strength of that meat forty days and forty nights."




CHAPTER XVI.

A FAIR OFFER.



"We be content" the keepers said,
"We three and you no less,
Then why should we of you be afraid,
As we never did transgress."
ROBIN HOOD BALLAD.


Steadfast was busy weeding the little patch of barley that lay near
the ruins of the old farm house with little Ben basking round him.
The great carefulness as to keeping the ground clear had been taught
him by his father, and was one reason why his fields, though so