"In the church!" said the verger, with an accent of horror.
The youth's face regarded him pleadingly.
"Come away!" said the old man sternly.
He led the way down the steep stair, into a high, small room, lighted by a narrow window over which cobwebs ran. "Here you may eat," he said laconically.
With a grateful glance the youth seated himself on the edge of a chair and opening his handkerchief took out a piece of the dry bread. His teeth broke it crisply, and crunched sharply upon it as he ate.
The old man nodded with satisfaction. "That is the mouse," he said.
The youth smiled faintly.
"Where do you come from?" asked the verger.
"From Lüneburg."
"You walked?"