So he took his problem rather to the high altar, directly to thesource of all strength, all power, all faithfulness, and for oncehe was not content to kneel, but prostrated himself in a cross onthe cold flags, like an offender presenting his propitiatory bodyat the end of penance, though the offence he contemplated was notyet committed, and with great mercy and understanding on hissuperior’s part might not be necessary. Nevertheless, heprofessed his intent now, in stark honesty, and besought rathercomprehension than forgiveness. With his forehead chill against thestone he discarded words to present his compulsion, and letthoughts express the need that found him lucid but inarticulate.This I must do, whether with a blessing or a ban. For whether I amblessed or banned is of no consequence, provided what I have to dois done well.

At the end of Vespers he asked audience of AbbotRadulfus, and was admitted. In the private parlour they sat downtogether.

“Father, I believe Hugh Beringar has acquainted you withall that he has learned in letters from the Earl of Leicester. Hashe also told you of the fate of the knights of Faringdon whorefused to desert the empress?”

“He has,” said Radulfus. “I have seen the listof names, and I know how they were disposed of. I trust that atthis proposed meeting in Coventry some agreement may be reached fora general release of prisoners, even if nothing better can beachieved.”

“Father, I wish I shared your trust, but I fear they areneither of them in any mind to give way. Howbeit, you will havenoted the name of Olivier de Bretagne, who has not been located,and of whom nothing is known since Faringdon fell. His lord iswilling and anxious to ransom him, but he has not been offered theopportunity. Father, I must tell you certain things concerning thisyoung man, things I know Hugh will not have told you.”

“I have some knowledge of the man myself,” Radulfusreminded him, smiling, “when he came here four years ago atthe time of Saint Winifred’s translation, in search of acertain squire missing from his place after the conference inWinchester. I have not forgotten him.”