- Asta's son spends all day hiding from the searchers. While hiding up in an oak tree, he overhears two village men, Matthew and Luke.
- From their conversation, he learns that the steward has accused him of breaking into the manor's moneybox.
- Matthew and Luke say they don't believe it, but they feel powerless to do anything against the steward, who is related to Lord Furnival's wife.
- Asta's son decides to creep back to the church after nightfall to talk to Father Quinel.