“That he was of the blood of the old English thanes I knew, but fallen from their once high estate. Had he lived he might have possessed me with the like feelings which prompted him: hatred of the foreigner, rebellion to God’s dispensation, which gave the land to others. Even now as I speak, Christian though I am, I feel that such things might be, but I count them now as dross, and seek a goodlier heritage than Michelham.”
“Poor lad! What has brought thee here again?”
“The desire to do my Master’s will, and to preach the gospel to my kindred. For if Christ shall make them free, then shall they be free indeed.”
“Hast thou heard of thy mother?”
“That she was dead. The message came through Michelham.”
“I remember an outlaw came here one day and sought me. He bade me send word to the boy we had (he said) stolen from them, that his mother was no more. We did so; but who was thy mother by birth?”
“I know not.”
“But I know.”
“Tell me, father.”
“It is a sad story.”