“And no restriction as to the use we in our turn may makeof it?” demanded the prior acutely. “The agreement willbe on the usual terms? That either party may make whatever use itwishes of the fields? To build, or cultivate, or keep as pasture,at will?”

“That is agreed. If we want to plough, there is nobar.”

“It seems to me,” said Abbot Radulfus, casting along glance around at the attentive faces of his flock, “thatwe have heard enough. If anyone has any other point to raise, do sonow, by all means.”

In the considering silence that followed many eyes turned again,mildly expectant, to the austere face of Brother Ruald, who aloneremained withdrawn and unconcerned. Who should know better thequalities of that field where he had worked for so many years, orbe better qualified to state whether they would be doing well inapproving the proposed exchange? But he had said all he had to say,in duty bound, and felt no need to add another word. When he hadturned his back upon the world and entered into his desiredvocation, field and cottage and kiln and kin had vanished for him.He never spoke of his former life, probably he never thought of it.All those years he had been astray and far from home.

“Very well!” said the abbot. “Clearly both weand Haughmond gain by the exchange. Will you confer with the prior,Matthew, and draw up the charter accordingly, and as soon as a daycan be fixed we will see it witnessed and sealed. And once that isdone, I think Brother Richard and Brother Cadfael might view theground, and consider its most profitable use.”

Brother Matthew rolled up his plans with a brisk hand and asatisfied countenance. It was his part to keep a strict eye uponthe property and funds of the house, to reckon up land, crops,gifts and legacies in the profits they could bring to the monasteryof Saint Peter and Saint Paul, and he had assessed thePotter’s Field with professional shrewdness, and liked whathe saw.