He himself must go to Selsea, there to see the bishop and tell him all, not forgetting my part, as he said.
I told him that I only needed a horse, and that then I should ride to London, where I had friends: and he asked me if I had money wherewith to buy one, for he had none, else would he gladly do so for me.

And that reminded me of the bag which Halfden gave me, and I opened it.
It was full of treasure--gold ornaments, and chains wherein were set precious stones, and some gold coins and silver, and these were the least value of all.

But little pleasure had I in them, for I knew too well how they came, and a thought came to me.
"Father," I said, "this comes from ruined towns on yonder shore--take it and build up Bosham again.

Aye, take it." "Why, my son, here is treasure enough to build three villages like ours," he said quietly; "for timber houses cost but labour in this forest land, and there was naught else worth taking in the place." "But your people are the poorer," I said; "I pray you take it for their need, and for a new bell, moreover." And so I urged him till he took the greatest gold chain, saying that in honesty he could no more, for that would surely make Bosham wish for more burnings if they turned out as this.
"Keep the rest and buy a new ship," he said, "and forget not that always and every day your name will be remembered at the time of mass in Bosham; and that may help you in days to come." So he blessed me and departed, and I think that both of us were light at heart, save for parting.

And I have never seen the good prior again, though his face and words I cannot forget.
Soon came one to lead me to the presence of the thane and his wife, and from them I found kindness more than I could have looked for.
We broke our fast together, and then the lady asked me if I would accept horse and gear for my journey from her, for she had heard from the prior that I had been shipwrecked, who had also told her all the story of our doings at Bosham.
Thanking her, I told her that though shipwrecked, I was yet rich, having a store of wealth with me; for I thought that it was in the minds of these kind people that I was in need.
"Be not proud," she said "bide with us for a while, and then take horse and go.