But the monastery was already watched and neither letter nor
messenger was ever heard of again.
Imagine the good Father's astonishment when the following night he
received Wilfred safe and sound from the hands of Hugo, to do
penance.
"Wilfred, my dear boy, tell me all. What has become of the letter I
entrusted you with?"
"It was taken from me in my sleep. Write another; oh father, let me
start again at once!"
"The roads are all beset, my dear child, as I have heard today. I
have already sent a messenger, but tremble for his safety."
"What can I do to avenge my mother--my dear mother?"
"Wait, my child, only for a little while; God is too just to let
such crime remain unpunished."
"Why was not his arm outstretched to save? Oh, my father, I shall
become an infidel if this villain escapes unpunished!"
"Only wait; one day is with Him as a thousand years."
"But I shall not live a thousand years; I must see the day myself."
"Nay, dear child, thou art not thyself; this is wicked. Go into the
church and pray for the grace of patience."
"I cannot pray--I must act."
"Go and pray, my son. Come to me again in half an hour; I have
inquiries to make which touch thy safety. I would fain know why the
baron sent thee here, since he knoweth all; it would seem the last
thing he would be likely to do.
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