He climbed into his cart, and continued on the way they had come, the bells tinkling upon his mule. And after a little time, when they were rested, they went their own way, with great weariness of body and in silence because they were still dazed and giddy. But coming to Orte, they entered into an ancient ruined tomb, where they determined to abide for that night, and some peasants gave them enough food. Then sitting in the starlight, they praised God for his mercy.
"Surely," said Francis, "he who succoured us was an angel sent from God, for how else could we have been rescued from death?"
And they marvelled that they had not known him for an angel, and with great joy they praised God.
"They were twelve fools," said the young man to Vanna; "but for me they would have perished by the roadside."
"God was good to them," she answered simply; and again he was ashamed.
To LAURENCE BINYON
V
AT SAN CASCIANO