7. Now when a space of time had passed, the licence and benediction of
his master having been obtained, he made his way to Saint Nynnidus who
was dwelling in a wood _(sic)_ of Loch Erny. Now when he had arrived
he was received with great joy and unfeigned love. As he was daily
becoming perfect in the discipline of manners and of virtue, on a
certain day, as one truly obedient, he went forth to the groves hard
by with brethren to cut timber. For it was a custom in that sacred
college, that three monks, with an elder, always went out in
prescribed order to transport timber. As the others were cutting wood,
he by himself, as was his wont, was intent on prayer to God. Meanwhile
certain wicked robbers, ferried over in a boat to that island, fell
upon the aforesaid brethren and slew them, and bore away their heads.
But Keranus, not hearing the sound of his companions hacking, was
surprised, and in wonder he hurried to the place where he had left
them labouring. When he saw what had been done to the brethren he
heaved heavy sighs and was deeply grieved; and he followed the
murderers by their track, and found them in the harbour, sweating to
carry their boat in the harbour to the water, but unable to do so. For
God so fastened their skiff to the land that by no means could they
remove it. So being unable to resist the will of the All-Powerful,
they beseech as suppliants pardon of the man of God, then present.
Mindful of his Master as He prayed for the Jews who were crucifying
Him, he, a holy one, poured forth prayers for them, unworthy as they
were, to the Fount of Piety; and strengthened by the virtue of his
prayer, they were able to convey their boat quite easily to the water.
In payment for this benefit he obtained from the robbers the heads of
his brethren. When he had received these, he made his way back to the
place where their bodies had been lying, and fervently asked of God
to show forth His omnipotence in the resuscitation of His servants in
this life. Wondrous is what I relate, but in the truth of fact most
manifest. He fitted the heads to the bodies, and recalled them to life
by the virtue of the holy prayer--nay, rather, what is more correct,
he obtained their recall. These, thus marvellously resuscitated, bore
timber back to the monastery. But so long as they lived they bore the
scars of the wounds on their necks.