In the early morning they set forth gravely, as befitted the solemn business they were about. The precious coffer was laid reverently upon a bed of reeds in the punt, and, as the air was very still, the thick candle was lighted and placed before it. It was a very feeble, dusty, yellow gleam in the sunshine. They set slowly out, down the brown channel among the rushes. The birds were singing. The monk blessed the boat and the holy relics, and Lisolé took a last long look at his floating home ere they turned a corner and it passed from view. He was very silent now that he had left everything. His thoughts were sad, for he was but human. That little refuge had been Home. He had been alone with the memory of Isoult there. They forged up the creek towards the lake, and his eyes fell upon the iron-bound box. Then his face brightened. He set it towards the Island of Icomb, and made the sign of the cross. Nor did he look back any more. About half-way over the lake they rested, and ate some bread and broiled fish. Till then Hyla's strong arms had rowed them, and now Lisolé prepared to relieve him. They were busy with the victuals in the bottom of the boat when a shout floated over the water, sudden and startling. They had thought no one near. Looking up they saw a large boat manned by many oars, but two hundred yards away. It was strange they had not heard the rattle in the rowlocks. A man in a shirt of chain mail stood upright in the bows, and a levelled cross-bow threatened them. They gazed stupidly at the advancing terror. In forty seconds the boat was lying motionless beside them. Hyla saw many cruel, exulting, well-known faces. The monk began Latin prayers. Lisolé grasped the iron-bound box. Suddenly Hyla became aware that a harsh voice was speaking. "We have no quarrel with you, Sir Monk, nor with your boatman. Natheless, unless you wish death, you will give that serf Hyla up to us without trouble. We are in luck to-day. We but thought to find the bodies of dead friends." The rapid pattering Latin went on unceasingly, Hyla was lifted from the punt by strong, eager arms. A push sent the smaller vessel gliding away, he saw the distance opening out between--the ripples sparkled in the sun. The wail of a farewell floated towards him, and then some one struck him a heavy blow upon the head, and everything flashed away. CHAPTER XVI "In that same conflict (woe is me!) befell, This fatall chaunce, this dolefull accident Whose heavy tidings now I have to tell. First all the captives which they here had hent Were by them slaine by generall consent." Dom Anselm was strolling about the courtyard of the castle at Hilgay. His hands were behind his back, and his head was thrust forward and slowly oscillated from side to side.