ere
will be close and strict search and inquest made, in accordance
with the cardinal's mandate. I only hope and trust that our worthy
friend Clarke may not fall into the hands of the bloodhounds, keen
on the scent of heresy."

"God forbid!" cried Anthony quickly.

"God forbid indeed! But there is no knowing. He may be in peril,
and others, too. But let there be an end tonight of all dallying
with dangerous persons. Send Garret away forthwith, burn your
books, and settle once more to your rightful studies. You have
played with fire something too long, Anthony; let there be an end
of it forthwith, lest the fire leap upon you in a fashion you think
not of."

Chapter VII: In Peril

Dalaber stood a moment as though turned to stone as the full import
of these words flashed into his mind. Again he was conscious of the
sensation as though cold water were being poured upon him. He found
himself shuddering strongly, and stepped out into the street to
breathe the freshness of the air. Almost at the moment two of his
comrades and confederates, Udel and Diet by name, both of Corpus
Christi College, chanced to come along the street, and Dalaber,
catching each by an arm, drew them into the shelter of the doorway,
and whispered to them the peril in which they all stood more or
less involved.

If an inquiry were set on foot none could say where it would cease,
or who might be suspected. It was evident that Garret himself stood
in imminent peril, and that to get him safely away from the city
was the first duty incumbent upon them. As soon as ever the gates
of the town were opened on the morrow he ought to start away to
some place of safety.

But where could such a place be found? The three young men went
upstairs to Dalaber's lodging, where Garret was standing by the
darkening window, lost in thought.

"Yes, I must go," he said, in answer to their words. "I am no
longer safe here, and for the sake of the cause I must needs hide
myself awhile. And yet I sometimes think it might come as well soon
as late, if come it must. And surely that will be the end. I have
felt it for long."

"What end?" asked Dalaber, with a little shudder.

"Martyrdom," answered Garret, a quick flash in his eye, which the
light, just kindled, seemed to reflect back. "I shall die for the
faith at last. I know it, I feel it. And there be moments when I
could wish that that day had come, and that I might take the crown
which is promised to those