“As God sees me,” blurted the youth, quaking, “I know no more than you! Iwas near to sleeping when I heard them come howling across the bridge. I’d nocall to suppose it was ought to do with me, not until they were streaming downinto the Foregate, but it was a noise to make any man afraid, whether he’danything on his conscience or no. And then I could hear them yelling murder andvengeance, and crying it was the mumper who did it, and baying for my blood. Theyspread out and began to beat the bushes, and I ran for my life, being surethey’d find me. And all the pack of them came roaring after. They were all butplucking at my hair when I stumbled in here at the door. But God strike meblind if I know what I’m held to have done—and dead if I’m lying to you now!”

Cadfael completed his bandage, and drew the tattered sleeve down over it. “Accordingto young Daniel, it seems his father’s been struck down and his strong-boxemptied. A poor way of rounding off a wedding night! Do you tell me all thiscan have happened after you were put out without your pay? On the face of it,that might turn their minds to you and your grievance, if they were castingabout for a likely felon.”

“I swear to you,” insisted the young man vehemently, “the goldsmith was haleand well the last time I set eyes on him. There was no quarrelling, no violencebut what they used on me, they were laughing and drinking and singing still.What’s happened since I know no more than you. I left the place—what use wasthere in staying? Brother, for God’s sake believe me! I’ve touched neither theman nor his money.”

“Then so it will be found,” said Cadfael sturdily. “Here you’re safe enoughin the meantime, and you must needs put your trust in justice and AbbotRadulfus, and tell your tale as you’ve told it to me when they question you. Wehave time, and given time, truth will out. You heard Father Abbot—stay herewithin the church tonight, but if they come to a decent agreement tomorrow youmay have the run of the household.” Liliwin was very cold to the touch, withfear and shock, and still trembling. “Oswin,” said Cadfael briskly, “go andfetch me a couple of brychans from the store, and then warm me up another goodmeasure of wine on the brazier, and spice it well. Let’s get some warmth intohim.”