The other continued, “God wot there is not the old saintliness! I have heard wise men cry that unless there came reform God will loose lions.”
“Perhaps. But come as it may I am absolved from monastery.”
“Abbot Mark and Prior Matthew be not everywhere. There are good abbots, good, religious houses—”
“Aye, I doubt not. Even at Silver Cross and Westforest are some true pilgrims and finders. But I am absolved. Brother Richard lies drowned in Wander. This is Richard Englefield, a smith in gold and silver. But since it may not be wisdom to say that till I reach London port or maybe France, then Richard Dawn, a traveller. What of ship?”
“It is the Vineyard, lying in the pool and sailing day after to-morrow at dawn. The master, a young man, Diccon Wright, is beholden to me. I found him at the Golden Ship, and he will do it.”
“Day after to-morrow at dawn.”
“There is nothing for it,” said Bettany, “but that you should bide where you are through to-night and to-morrow. Then at eve I will come with a horse for you. Canst ride?”
“Oh, aye!”
“There is no moon. We make through country to pool side and find there a boat that Diccon sends. So the Vineyard and away.”