"That is already known," said the father. "Known! then war is at hand." "It is, and I would remove thee, lest harm should befall thee. Thou wilt travel hence with me at once." "Before we start I would fain be shriven by thee, for I have grievously sinned, and to whom can I more fitly make my shrift? so that he who has ministered to the body may in turn minister to the soul." "There is joy in heaven over one sinner that repenteth," said the good monk, greatly moved, "and right gladly will I discharge mine office towards thee." The hour had come for Etienne to depart. He had bidden farewell to the faithful Hilda. His last words were--"Thou hast lost one son, mother, but found another; if Etienne de Malville lives, thou shalt be recompensed one day." The two pedestrians left the hut and, keeping close along the border of the marsh, under the shadow of the trees, came at last to the little isthmus which joined the firm ground within the marsh, to a chain of woody hills. The ground was so covered with vegetation and undergrowth that it was difficult to advance, save by one narrow path; but Etienne saw at once that in this direction the settlement could be assaulted at any time of the year with every chance of success. The monk must have been aware also that he was betraying the secret of this approach to a Norman; but strangely enough, he did not seem to trouble about it at this juncture. "Father," said Etienne, "I would fain ask thee one question before we part." "Speak on, my son." "I would fain know, father, what murderous hand gave thy abbey to the flames--a deed abhorred by all good men, whether Normans or English." "Thou dost not know then?" "Surely not, father." "I may not tell thee whom all suspect; it is better for thy peace of mind that it should remain a mystery till God solve the riddle." "Thou mayst not tell how Wilfred escaped either," added Etienne, who in his heart thought that the outlaws had fired the place and released him from his imposed penance. "On all these points my lips are sealed. Perhaps in God's own time thou wilt learn the truth." "Then I may not act as a mediator between my father and his fugitive vassals?" "Not under present circumstances. There is a dark mystery, which God in His mercy hides from thee." They had now gained a slight elevation, and could see the tops of the trees below them for miles, including a portion of the swamp. "Father, how full the woods are of smoke: look, it is rolling in great billows over the tree tops. Surely the woods are on fire." "I have heard that in foreign countries the woods are so dry in summer that they burn easily, and that people caught in the forests have great difficulty in saving their lives; but it is not so here, the reeds and flags of the marshes alone are on fire." "Methinks I hear the shouts of men who strive for mastery," and as he spoke, the fire of the warrior kindled in his eyes.