of the precious deposit.

She looked very grave, and said "Why then it is just like church! O
no, Stead, I'll never tell till good Mr. Holworth comes back. Could
not we say our prayers there on Sundays?"

Stead liked the thought but shook his head.

"We must not wear a path up to the place," he said, "nor show the
little ones the way."

"I shall say mine as near as I can," said Patience. "And I shall ask
God to help us keep it safe."

Then the children became absorbed in seeking for a place where their
fowls could find safe shelter from the enemies that lurked in the
wood, and ended by an attempt of Stead's to put up some perches
across the beam above the cow-shed.

Things were forward enough for Rusha and Ben to be fetched down to
their new home that night; when Patience went to fetch them, she
heard that the cessation of firing had really been because the troops
within the town were going to surrender to the King's soldiers
outside.

"Then there will be no more fighting," she anxiously asked of Master
Blane.

"No man can tell," he answered.