kind old face looked at him which he knew to be that of the Dean.

"Is that all your Christmas meal, my good boy?" he asked.

"I shall have something for supper, thank your reverence," replied
Steadfast, taking off his leathern cap.

"Well, mayhap you could away with something more," said the Dean.
"Come with me."

And as Steadfast obeyed, he asked farther, "What is your name, my
child? I know your face in church, but not in town."

"No, sir, I do not live here. I am Steadfast Kenton, and I am from
Elmwood, but we have no prayers nor sermon there since they took the
parson away."

"Ah! good Master Holworth! Alas! my child, I fear you will scarce
see him back again till the King be in London once more, which Heaven
grant. And, meantime, Sir George Elmwood being patron, none can be
intruded into his room. It is a sore case, and I fear me the case of
many a parish besides."

Steadfast was so much moved by the good Dean's kindness as to begin
to consider whether it would be betraying the trust to consult him
about that strange treasure in the cave, but the lad was never quick
of thought, and before he could decide one of the canons joined the
Dean, and presently going up the steps to the great hall of the
Deanery, Steadfast saw long tables spread with snowy napkins,
trenchers laid all round, and benches on which a numerous throng were