“Well, old man, you shall show me the path; we will spend the night in those ruins,—in those ruins from which Munkholm tower is visible.”
“Can you really mean it, sir?” asked Benignus. “The fatigues of the day—”
“Old man, I will support your steps; my footing was never more secure.”
“Sir, the brambles that block the path, which has long been deserted, the fallen stones, the darkness—”
“I will take the lead.”
“There may be some savage beast, some unclean animal, some hideous monster—”
“I did not undertake this journey to avoid monsters.”
The idea of halting so near Oëlmœ was very unpleasant to Spiagudry; the thought of seeing Munkholm light, and possibly the light in Ethel’s window, enraptured and transported Ordener.
“Young master,” urged Spiagudry, “give up this scheme; take my advice. I have a presentiment that it will bring us bad luck.”
This plea was as nothing in the face of Ordener’s longing.