The murmur of voices told him that people
were in the church, and he had no doubt that the odor came from burning
incense.
A little light from the narrow window fell upon him. It came through
colored glass, and made red and blue splotches on his hands, at which he
looked curiously. He knew that it was a brilliant day outside, and he
longed for air and exercise, but he dared not move except to stretch his
arms and legs, until the stiffness and soreness disappeared from his
joints. Contact with Spaniard and Mexican had taught him the full need
of caution.
He was very hungry again, and now he was thankful for his restraint of
the night before. He ate the rest of the food in his pockets and waited
patiently.
Ned knew that he had slept a long time, and that it must be late in the
day. He was confirmed in his opinion by the angle at which the light
entered the window, and he decided that he would lie in the pew until
night came again. It was a trying test. School his will as he would he
felt at times that he must come from his covert and walk about the
chapel. The narrow wooden pew became a casket in which he was held, and
now and then he was short of breath. Yet he persisted. He was learning
very young the value of will, and he forced himself every day to use it
and increase its strength.
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