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At midday the two friars rested in a sweet glade, and slept after a frugal meal, till the birds awoke them with their songs. "They remind me of an incident in the life of our dear father Francis," said Ginepro, "which my father witnessed." "Tell it as we go. Sweet converse shortens the toil of the way."
"My son, when thou art better thou must travel for change of air." "Whither?" said Martin. "Where wouldst thou like to go?" "Oh, may I go to my kindred and teach them the holy truths of the Gospel?" "Thou shalt. Brother Ginepro shall go with thee, and ere thou startest thou shalt be admitted to the privileges and duties of the second order, and be Brother Martin." "And when shall I be ordained?"
They purposed to travel together as long as their different objects permitted. "My men will be a protection," said Hubert. The young friars laughed. "We need no protection," said Ginepro. "If we want arms, these bulrushes will serve for spears." "Nay, do not jest," said Martin. "We have other arms, my Hubert." "What are they?" "Only faith and prayer, but they never fail."
"'Nay, go back to thy home, and do not let thyself be caught again, he said, and they took it back to the woods and let it go." Just at this point they reached Chiddinglye, and as they emerged from the forest on the green, Ginepro spied a number of children playing at seesaw in a timber yard, laughing and shouting merrily.
The day was fine, and in the sun the heat was oppressive, but a grateful coolness lay beneath the shades of the forest, as our two brethren, Martin and Ginepro, pursued their way under the spreading canopy of leaves in search of the outlaws, whom most men preferred to avoid.
Ginepro related many tales of "sweet Father Francis," and in return Martin enlightened his companion with regard to the manners and customs of the natives into whose territories they were penetrating; men who knew no laws but those of the greenwood, and who were but on a par with the heathen in things spiritual, at least so said the neighbouring ecclesiastics.
"Thou hast begun well, brother Martin," said Ginepro, when they could first speak to each other in the hospitium. "I! No, not I. God gave me strength," and he sank on the bench exhausted and pale. "It is too much for thee." "No, not too much. I love the good work. God give the increase." "What Martin, my Martin, thou here? I have followed thee.
In all Ginepro did there was a wondrous freshness. And that same evening, when the woodmen came home from work, Martin preached to the whole village from the steps of the churchyard cross. It was a strangely impressive scene.
Hubert had bidden the last farewell to his old father, who with difficulty relinquished his grasp of his adored boy, now that the hour for fulfilling the purpose of many years had come at last. Martin and his brother and companion Ginepro were there, and the six men-at-arms who were to act as a guard of honour to the young knight in his passage through the forest to the castle of his ancestors.
Lead me to your chieftain, Grimbeard, who, I hope, is well. Or shall I show you the road?" "Yes, if you know it. Art thou a wizard?" "Nay, only a poor friar. Am I to lead or follow?" "Lead, by all means. Then we shall know that thou canst do so." Martin, nothing loth, walked forward boldly, Ginepro more timidly by his side. They were such wild-looking outlaws.
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