"Where are we, Evroult?"
It was some moments before they realised where they were—not an uncommon thing when one awakes in the morning in a strange place.
Soon, however, they bethought themselves of the circumstances under which they stood, and rising from their couch, arranged their apparel, passed their fingers through their hair in lieu of comb, rubbed their sleepy eyes, and came into the outer cave, where the hermit crouched before the fire acting the part of cook.
He heard them, and stood up.
"Pax vobiscum, my children, ye look better this morning; here is your breakfast, come and eat it, and then we will talk."
"Have you no meat?" Evroult was going to say, but the natural instinct of a gentleman checked him. They had fed well at the lazar-house, but better oaten cakes and liberty.
"Oh what nice nuts," said Richard; "and blackberries, too."
The hermit's eyes sparkled as he noted the sweet smile which accompanied the words. The face of the younger boy was untouched by the leprosy. They satisfied their hunger, and then began to talk.
"Father, how long may we stay here?"
"As long as you like—God has sent you hither."