Beside it, when
the coffin was covered, I said good-bye to the Bavarelli and
dismissed them down the hill. They understood that I had yet a word
to speak to the good monk.
"One thing remains," I said, and showed him the crown with the five
empty settings, and the one diamond yet glittering in its band.
"Help me to build a cairn," said I.
So he helped me. We built a tall cairn, and I laid the crown within
it.
The sun was setting as we laid the last stone in place. We walked in
silence down to the pass, and there I shook hands with him by the
little chapel, and received his blessing before setting my face
northwards.
I dare say that he stood for a long while, watching me as I descended
the curves of the road. But I never once looked back until I had
crossed the valley, far below. The great peak rose behind me; and it
seemed to me that on its summit a diamond shone amongst the stars.
POSTSCRIPT.
BY GERVASE ARUNDEL.
July 15 (St. Swithun's), 1761.
My nephew has asked me to write the few words necessary to conclude
this narrative.
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