Only wait, I pray you, till they have drunk this posset which I am preparing." The monk's curiosity was not, however, destined to be so speedily satisfied, for just as the voyagers were finishing their hot drinks a monk entered with a message that the prior, having heard that some strangers had arrived, would fain welcome and speak with them in his apartment.

They rose at once.
"When the prior has done questioning you," brother Austin said, "return hither at once.

I will set about preparing supper for you, for I warrant me you must need food as well as drink.

Fear not but, however great your appetite may be, I will have enough to satisfy it ready by the time you return." "Welcome to Colonsay!" the prior said, as the four men entered his apartment; "but stay--I see you are drenched to the skin; and it were poor hospitality, indeed, to keep you standing thus even to assure you of your welcome.

Take them," he said to the monk, "to the guest chamber at once, and furnish them with changes of attire.
When they are warm and comfortable return with them hither." In ten minutes Archie and his companions re-entered the prior's room.