“That last would be the greatest miracle of all,” broke in Emlyn, with grim humour.  “Still we thank you from our hearts and will wear the relics if they do not take them from us.  Hark! they are calling you.  Farewell, and all blessings be on your gentle heads.”

Again the loud voices of the guards called, and Sister Mary turned and fled, wondering if these women were not witches, how it came about that they could be so brave, so different from poor Bridget, who wailed and moaned in her cell below.

Cicely and Emlyn ate their food with good appetite, knowing that they would need support that day, and when it was done sat themselves again by the window-place, through which they could see hundreds of people, mounted and on foot, passing up the slope that led to the green in front of the Abbey, though this green they could not see because of a belt of trees.

“Listen,” said Emlyn presently.  “It is hard to say, but it may be that your vision of the night was but a merciful dream, and, if so, within a few hours we shall be dead.  Now I have the secret of the hiding-place of those jewels, which, without me, none can ever find; shall I pass it on, if I get the chance, to one whom I can trust?  Some good soul—­the nuns, perhaps—­will surely shelter your boy, and he might need them in days to come.”

Cicely thought a while, then answered—­

“Not so, Emlyn.  I believe that God has spoken to me by His angel, as He spoke to Peter in the prison.  To do this would be to tempt God, showing that we have no trust in Him.  Let that secret lie where it is, in your breast.”

“Great is your faith,” said Emlyn, looking at her with admiration.  “Well, I will stand or fall by it, for I think there is enough for two.”

The Convent bell chimed ten, and they heard a sound of feet and voices below.

“They come for us,” said Emlyn; “the burning is set for eleven, that after the sight folk may get away in comfort to their dinners.  Now summon that great Faith of yours and hold him fast for both our sakes, since mine grows faint.”

The door opened and through it came monks followed by guards, the officer of whom bade them rise and follow.  They obeyed without speaking, Cicely throwing her cloak about her shoulders.

“You’ll be warm enough without that, Witch,” said the man, with a hideous chuckle.

“Sir,” she answered, “I shall need it to wrap my child in when we are parted.  Give me the babe, Emlyn.  There, now we are ready; nay, no need to lead us, we cannot escape and shall not vex you.”

“God’s truth, the girl has spirit!” muttered the officer to his companions, but one of the priests shook his head and answered—­

“Witchcraft!  Satan will leave them presently.”

A few more minutes and, for the first time during all those weary months, they passed the gate of the Priory.  Here the third victim was waiting to join them, poor, old, half-witted Bridget, clad in a kind of sheet, for her habit had been stripped off.  She was wild-eyed and her grey locks hung loose about her shoulders, as she shook her ancient head and screamed prayers for mercy.  Cicely shivered at the sight of her, which indeed was dreadful.