"
So we went into the chapel for the vespers with him, and the day
was done. But in the morning there hung on the black cross on the
green grass a wreath of white flowers which no brother had set
there.
Chapter 11: The Summons Of The Beacons.
Now, for all the peace of this holy island there hung over it an
ever-present fear of which I learned when we spoke to Phelim
concerning the treasure which we would leave in the care of the
brethren when we went hence.
He said that it was well if we would do so, and that they would
bury it under that new shed which we had helped to build, since no
Danes would wonder at seeing newly-turned earth there.
"Moreover," he said, "if we are not here when you come for it, you
will know where it is."
He said this quietly, and as a matter of course, and I asked him in
surprise if it was likely that they would leave their island.
"Not alive," he answered; "but the Danes may spy our easily-taken
flocks at any time, and come ashore here."
"Why, they would not harm the unresisting," I said.
"Nay, but we are priests of the faith, therefore the heathen rage
against us. Already they have slain almost every brotherhood along
the shores of this land, and of Scotland. Our turn may come at any
time.
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