He took the box, and laying it on the altar, pressed the cross to his lips.

"The Earl of Mar shall find that fidelity here which his faith in the church merits.
That mysterious chest, to which you tell me so terrible a denunciation is annexed, shall be preserved sacred as the relics of St.Fillan." Halbert groaned heavily at these words, but he did not speak.

The father looked at him attentively, and then proceeded: "But for you, virtuous Southron, I will give you a pilgrim's habit.

Travel in that privileged garb to Montrose; and there a brother of the church, the prior of Aberbrothick, will, by a letter from me, convey you in a vessel to Normandy; thence you may safely find your way to Guienne." The soldier bowed his head; and the priest, turning to Lady Helen, told her that a cell should be appointed for her, and some pious woman brought from the adjoining hamlet to pay her due attendance.
"As for this venerable man," continued he, "his silver hairs already proclaim him near his heavenly country! He had best put on the cowl of the holy brotherhood, and, in the arms of religion, repose securely, till he passes through the sleep of death to wake in everlasting life!" Tears started into the eyes of Halbert.

"I thank you, reverend father; I have indeed drawn near the end of my pilgrimage--too old to serve my dear master in fields of blood and hardship, I will at least devote my last hours to uniting my prayers with his, and all good souls, for the repose of his sainted lady.