"I would fain know, father, what murderous hand gave thy abbey to the flames--a deed abhorred by all good men, whether Normans or English."
"Thou dost not know then?"
"Surely not, father."
"I may not tell thee whom all suspect; it is better for thy peace of mind that it should remain a mystery till God solve the riddle."
"Thou mayst not tell how Wilfred escaped either," added Etienne, who in his heart thought that the outlaws had fired the place and released him from his imposed penance.
"On all these points my lips are sealed. Perhaps in God's own time thou wilt learn the truth."
"Then I may not act as a mediator between my father and his fugitive vassals?"
"Not under present circumstances. There is a dark mystery, which God in His mercy hides from thee."
They had now gained a slight elevation, and could see the tops of the trees below them for miles, including a portion of the swamp.
"Father, how full the woods are of smoke: look, it is rolling in great billows over the tree tops. Surely the woods are on fire."