chest. With much difficulty they reached it. It had been broken in
by the fall of the roof, and some of the contents were scattered, but
enough was gathered up in a pail fetched from the stable to last for
some little time. There were some eggs likewise in the nests, and
altogether Goodman Blane allowed that, if the young Kentons could
take care of themselves, and keep things together, they had decided
for the best; if they could, that was to say. And he helped them to
carry their heavier things to the glen. He wanted to see if it were
fit for their habitation, but Steadfast was almost sorry to show
anyone the way, in spite of his trust and gratitude to the
blacksmith.

However, of course, it was not possible to keep this strange hiding-
place a secret, so he led the way by the path the cattle had trodden
out through the brushwood to the open space where they drank, and
where stood the hermit's hut, a dreary looking den built of big
stones, and with rough slates covering it. There was a kind of hole
for the doorway, and another for the smoke to get out at. Blane
whistled with dismay at the sight of it, and told Stead he could not
take the children to such a place.

"We will get it better," said Stead.

"That we will," returned Patience, who felt anything better than
being separated from her brother.

"It is weather-tight," added Stead, "and when it is cleaned out you
will see!"

"And the soldiers will never find it," added Patience.