The girls who had seen us on the lake, and some other members who had met us together, only gave their evidence on compulsion--and even then they prevaricated, they were so fond of us and so sorry for us.

After waiting a day, the governing body pronounced their judgment.

Their duty was prescribed to them by the Rules.

We were sentenced to six months' absence from the Community; to return or not as we pleased.

A hard sentence, gentlemen--whatever _we_ may think of it--to homeless and friendless people, to the Fallen Leaves that had drifted to Tadmor.