"Did he know of the summons to all to attend the gathering here today?"
Sir Oliver bent his head.
"He did. I showed him the paper myself."
"Then wherefore is he not here?"
"That know I not. I did not know he was not here. I do not know it even now. I have never known Brother Emmanuel fail in obedience yet."
The name was being whispered all round. The monks were professing to be searching for the missing brother. The prior looked at Sir Oliver with some sternness.
"Where is this monk?" he asked,
"I do not know," was the firm response. "I have not seen him since his farewell yesternight."
"You thought he was coming hither?"
"I knew naught. He told me naught of his purposes."