“It’s labour for man as well as beast,” said BrotherCadfael.

“But for free goodwill! They wanted to go with him, to do what hewanted them to do. Brother, could devoted disciples do more? Do you tell me hetakes no delight in what he does?”

“No man nor God who sees his faithful delight to serve him,”said Brother Cadfael patiently and carefully, “but he knows delight.Hush, now, we’re barely here, there’ll be time to look roundus.”

They were down in the little arena of grass and vegetable plots, clear ofthe trees. The stone church with its tiny turret and tinier bell visible withinshone blindingly white, bluish-white against all the lush green. And out of thecabbage-patch, freshly planted, in the lee of the wooden cabin, rose a small,square man in a brown sackcloth gown hoisted to the knees, thick brown legssturdy under him, and a thicket of curly brown hair and beard half-concealing abrown, broad, wondering face round two large, dark-blue eyes. He came outhastily, scrubbing his hands on his skirts. At close quarters his eyes werelarger, bluer and more astonished than ever, and as timid as the mild eyes of adoe.

“Good-day to you, Father Huw,” said Urien, reining in beforehim, “I’ve brought you distinguished guests from England, uponimportant church business, and with the blessing of prince and bishop.”

When they had ridden into the clearing the priest had certainly been theonly man in sight, but by the time Urien had ended his greeting a score ofsilent, sudden figures had appeared from nowhere, and made a wary and curioushalf-circle about their pastor. By the distracted look in Father Huw’seyes he was busy reckoning up in some alarm how many of these strangers hismodest hut could fittingly house, and where to bestow the rest of them, and howmuch food there was in his larder to make a meal for so many, and where hecould best commandeer whatever extra was needed. But no question of notextending a welcome. Guests were sacrosanct, and must not even be questioned onthe proposed length of their stay, however ruinous.