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Page 379
that would squeal or squeak. When he had it opened sufficiently for Bassett to pass through, he took no further chance.
Siorl had come back and was standing behind him, so Simon knew all was secure. He followed Bassett into the church and Siorl closed the door quietly. It was dark inside. Since no one was allowed to enter, there were no candles burning to the saints. Simon began to wonder how they would find their men, but that, too, was easy. One of the men snored like a hive of demented bees. He and Sir Gilbert picked their way carefully in the direction of the sound.
There was no need to worry about low voices. Hunger must often keep the three men awake, and presumably they talked or prayed. However, he hoped that waking the men and the explanations would not take long. In fact, there was no hesitation. As soon as de Burgh recognized Bassett, he began to weep silently and raise his hands in thanks. Since they had nothing to takethey had been brought back to the church with barely enough clothing for decency and surely not enough for warmththey had only to rise and follow Simon to the back of the church. Here he said one soft word in Welsh and the door began to open. When they were out, the bar was replaced.
There could be no question of de Burgh's running through the churchyard. He had barely made it to the door. Without discussion, Simon lifted him to Bassett's shoulders. Echtor had drawn William de Miller's arm over his shoulder, and Simon did the same with Thomas the Chamberlain's. Siorl followed the group, stepping backward and watching for any sign of alarm.
The silence was not so absolute now. Twice Simon had to put a hand over Thomas's mouth, and de Burgh was sobbing softly. When they reached the trees, Bassett set his burden down.
''He is too weak" de Millers began.

 
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