Page:My people stories of the peasantry of West Wales.djvu/183

 Bryn-Bevan, making a tour of his congregation, bethought himself of Nanni. The thought came to him on leaving Danyrefail, the distance betwixt which and Nanni's cottage is two fields. He opened the door and called out: “Nanni.”

None answered. He entered the room. Nanni was on the floor.

“Nanni, Nanni!” he said. “Why for you do not reply to me? Am I not your shepherd?” There was no movement from Nanni.

Mishtir Bryn-Bevan went on his knees and peered at her. Her hands were clasped tightly together, as though guarding some great treasure. The minister raised himself and prised them apart with the ferrule of his walking-stick. A roasted rat revealed itself. Mishtir Bryn-Bevan stood for several moments spellbound and silent; and in the stillness the rats crept boldly