"And when does the bell on the ship answer it?"
"Immediately."
"Go to your room, your reverence," said Jason, "and never stir out of it until you hear the ship's bell in the morning. Then come here, and you will find me waiting on this spot to return this key to you. But first answer me again, Do you trust me?"
"I do," said the old priest.
"You believe I will keep to my bargain, come what may?"
"I believe you will keep to it."
"And so I will, as sure as God's above me."
IV.
Jason opened the door and entered the room. It was quite dark, save for a dull red fire of dry moss that burned on the hearth in one corner. By this little fire Michael Sunlocks sat, with only his sad face visible in the gloom. His long thin hands were clasped about one knee which was half-raised; his noble head was held down, and his flaxen hair fell across his cheeks to his shoulders.
He had heard the key turn in the lock, and said quietly, "Is that you, Sir Sigfus?"