Too swift and few ran the suns, and the inevitable time was at hand for bearing the world and its eyes under the hard bond of his promise. The youth and vigour of his body set him on his feet oversoon, while all the soundness his spirit had gained was trembling for its weakness, fear for its cowardice, shame for its shame.
'Where shall he go?'
'Christian,' said Lois, 'where will you go?'
He wondered what she said. Open talk had passed over him unregarded; he had lost the knack of understanding except he tried hard.
Giles sighed. 'Far, indeed, far; for where is our boy not known, the best fisher for his years, the best at sail and oar, the strongest proved in the pick of the coast. Far, indeed, for him not to be known.'
That Christian understood, for he broke silence hoarsely.
'Say out: far indeed for him not to be known as beaten for a thief, drowned like a dog.'
Rhoda's hand slipped to his, unseen; she drew it softly against her lips. He did not heed.
'My boy,' said Lois, 'what will you do?'
'Mother, do you bid me go?'