The sun rose clear and bright after that eventful night--the storm was over--its rising beams fell upon a company of archers drawn up in the English encampment--upon a young warrior doomed to die, who stood bravely before them. The gray-haired priest who had prepared him for death--the only favour shown him--bade him a last farewell; the bows twanged, and the same arrows which had transfixed the flesh of Eadwin pierced the heart of Pierre de Morlaix.
[CHAPTER XII]. THE ENIGMA SOLVED.
We owe our readers some apology for having so long trifled with their patience concerning the fate of Wilfred, and we trust they are somewhat anxious to hear how he escaped the flames on that fatal night when the monastery was burnt.
When good Father Alphege heard that the boy had returned under captivity, for whose safety he was so anxious, he sent at once another messenger to the good Bishop Geoffrey, imploring his aid for the orphan.
But the monastery was already watched and neither letter nor messenger was ever heard of again.
Imagine the good Father's astonishment when the following night he received Wilfred safe and sound from the hands of Hugo, to do penance.
"Wilfred, my dear boy, tell me all. What has become of the letter I entrusted you with?"
"It was taken from me in my sleep. Write another; oh father, let me start again at once!"
"The roads are all beset, my dear child, as I have heard today. I have already sent a messenger, but tremble for his safety."
"What can I do to avenge my mother--my dear mother?"