While they were seated at the wretched repast the house was able alone to afford, in an apartment serving the purpose of kitchen and receiving room for the guests, for whose accommodation tables and benches were placed at one end of it, a boy entered, who started at seeing them, turning back as if he would retreat, when Ivan recognised in him the lad whom he had suspected of following their steps. He entered the house, throwing himself on a bench near the fire, and while he endeavoured to dry his wet garments, he seemed lost in a reverie, gazing at the burning embers on the hearth, speaking to no one, nor turning his head to look at the other guests. Ivan at length taking compassion on the youth's disconsolate manner, forgetful of his suspicions about him, in his assumed character of an old man, approached to invite him to share their humble fare. The boy started as Ivan spoke, a blush mantling on his cheek, and he hesitated to accept the proffered offer, till Javis came to add his persuasions. At length, he yielded and took his seat at their table, when Ivan asked him, if he had not before seen him on the road. The boy acknowledged that they had passed him. "Are you then going to Chioff, boy, to worship at the shrines of the holy saints?" asked Ivan. "Yes, I go thither for that purpose," answered the boy. "You are but a youthful pilgrim to attempt so long a journey alone and unprotected," said Ivan. "It surprises me that your parents put you not under the care of older people travelling the same road, who might have guarded your youth from the dangers your inexperience may lead you into. Had you no friends from your neighbourhood, making the pilgrimage?" "Alas, I have no parents who are able to protect me, and few friends who love me; but for protection I need it not, I can protect myself." "Do not say that you have no friends, boy," interrupted Javis, "when perchance, there are some, who most likely, would be ready to shield you from the slightest harm." The boy answered not, but hung down his head, nor did he venture to look towards Ivan, while he was speaking. Ivan, in compassion for the boy's timidity, spoke to him a few kind words of encouragement, when Javis addressed him. "You are travelling the same road we go, boy, and may, perchance, require protection. You shall, if you wish, accompany us, and you shall have all that two old men can bestow. Will you accept our offer?" The boy again seemed to hesitate, until Ivan pressed him to accept their protection, when he gladly assented. "You seem, poor boy, weighed down by some secret sorrow; tell it to us, that we may, if possible, afford you all the consolation in our power." "Not for worlds," answered the boy, sadly; "it would but increase my sorrow to name it, nor would you have power to heal it." "But tell me, boy," said Ivan, "by what name shall we call you?" The boy hesitated for a moment, before he spoke. "They call me, Conrin, Sir."