It shall be my part to learn where it lies; and may the Holy Saints aid and bless me in the search!" Cuthbert crossed himself as he invoked the Saints, for at heart he was a Romanist still, albeit he had had the wit to see that the same cardinal doctrines were taught by the Established Church of the land, whose services he had several times attended.

And even as he made the gesture he became suddenly aware that he was not alone on the road.

A solitary traveller mounted on a strong horse was standing beneath the shadow of a tree hard by, and regarding his approach with some curiosity, though the lad had not been aware of his close proximity until his horse paused and snorted.
"Good even, young man," said this traveller, in a pleasant voice that bespoke gentle birth.

"I was waiting to see if I had an enemy to deal with in the shape of one of those rogues of the road, cutpurses or highwaymen, of whom one bears so many a long tale.

But these travel in companies, and it behoves wise travellers to do likewise.