Phelim would call them "catechumens," therefore, and that
word may be known as meaning the same thing. Presently I was to
hear more of that from him. The good hermits were ready to praise
them and their ways to the king, while, as for Asbiorn's men, they
had given no trouble at all, for they were tied up in the cell we
had used. One or two of Hakon's men, who were from Dublin, could
speak the Erse, and that had been good.
So there was gratitude and content when the hermits came and spoke
with Hakon through Dalfin, while I set the men to work getting the
treasure down to the boats. The brothers had buried it as they
promised, risking somewhat as they worked, for Asbiorn's Danes
might have wandered from the beach at any time. When that was done
they fled to the hill, until one of Hakon's men had gone altogether
unarmed and spoken with them, telling them that we and they were
safe.
Now, we had left Fergus behind us with the bishop, and he would
find his way back here shortly. Presently Phelim sought the old
superior and spoke long with him, and at last came and asked Gerda
to do the same. She went willingly enough, as she reverenced the
old teacher, taking me with her.
"My daughter," he said, "have you a mind to learn more of those
things of which we have spoken?"
"I can wish nothing better," she answered.
Pages:
247
248
249
250
251
252
253
254
255
256
257
258
259
260
261
262
263
264
265
266
267
268
269
270
271