106 The Seven Years of Seeking

such should befall you, you shall bid him
pray earnestly, and after he has prayed, heed
what he shall say, even as you would heed
the words of your Abbot. No better Abbot
and counsellor could you have, for he hath
still preserved his baptismal innocence. It
is Ambrose, the little chorister.”

Serapion and the others wondered at this,
but readily they accepted the Abbot’s choice

of a companion.

Think now of the ship as built — a goodly
ship of stout timber frame covered two-ply
with hides seasoned and sea-worthy, well
found in provisions against a long voyage,
fitted with sturdy mast of pine and broad
sail. And think of the Mass as sung, with
special prayer to Him who is the confidence
of them that are afar off upon the sea. And
think of the leave-taking and blessing as
over and done, and of the Sea-farers as all
aboard, eleven brethren and Ambrose the
chorister, a little lad of nine summers.

Now all is cast loose, and the red sail is
drawn up the mast and set puffing, and the
ship goes out, dipping and springing, into
the deep. On the shore the religious stand