Many of them are still serfs, although most have been freed by the good earl and the knights his followers.

Some of those who would fain leave the life in the woods, still cling to it because they think that it would be mean to desert their comrades, who being serfs are still bound to lurk there; but methinks that this is a great opportunity for them.

They are valiant men, and the fact that they are fond of drawing an arrow at a buck does not make them one whit the worse Christians.

I will do my best to move their hearts, and if they will but agree together to take the cross, they would make a goodly band of footmen to accompany the earl." "Is the earl going ?" Cuthbert asked eagerly.
"I know not for certain," said Father Francis; "but I think from what I hear from his chaplain, Father Eustace, that his mind turns in that direction." "Then, Father, if he goes, I will go too," Cuthbert exclaimed.

"He promised to take me as his page the first time he went to war." Father Francis shook his head.
"I fear me, Cuthbert, this is far from the spirit in which we a while ago agreed that men should go to the holy war." Cuthbert hung his head a little.
"Ay, Father Francis, men; but I am a boy," he said, "and after all, boys are fond of adventure for adventure's sake.