"Has not Father Cuthbert returned?"
"Returned?"
"Yes, he went to the church to bring in the sacred vessels and vestments."
Alfgar rose instantly.
"I will go and seek him," he cried.
"Then pass out by the postern gate, on the angle nearest the church; I fear the danger is great, but he must be told that the foe is near, or he may fall into their hands."
Alfgar left the hall and passed to an angle of the defences where a little gate led out towards the church; the bridge had been removed, and he had absolutely to descend into the ditch amongst the deep snow.
Emerging, he crossed the burial yard, and found the good father returning heavily laden with the precious vessels and other objects he had been able to save.
"Father," he said; "the enemy is near."
"Indeed! so soon?"