302 The Journey of Rheinfrid

never seen it before. They passed through
and stood among a litter of stones, tumbled
drums of pillars and fragments of carved
mouldings and capitals. Rheinfrid recog-
nised the spot. The land was the same, and
the river, and the far hills, but nearly all the
Forest had been cleared, and the Abbey had
vanished. What had happened to him and
to them ?

“ Hast thou where to pass the night, old
father?” the lad asked.

Rheinftid shook his head sorrowfully. —

“Then I will show thee a place,” he said.

And again he took Rheinfrid by the hand,
and led him among the ruins till they came
to a flight of stone steps which led down
into the crypt of the minster. These they
descended, and there was a dim light in the
place, and Rheinfrid’s heart beat quickly, for
he knew the pillars and vaulted roofs and
walls of this undercroft.

“Here you may rest peacefully and sleep
well,” said the urchin; “no one will venture
here to disturb your slumber.”

“ Sorrow be far from thee, little son,” said
Rheinfrid, looking gratefully at his guide;
and lo! while he was speaking he perceived

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