."

"He was willing, then, to fly! Ah, I am glad, I am glad! It is not
always the greatest thing to stand at bay and fall into peril. A
man may rightly think of saving his life and those of his friends
by flight. I am thankful he is away. Pray Heaven they get not on
his track. They say if he fall into their hands he will perish at
the stake."

Dalaber shuddered, but answered quietly:

"I think he will escape. Had they overtaken him we should have
heard. But what else hath Cole told thee that thou shouldst fear
and shed tears, thou who art so bold, and filled with spirit and
constancy?"

"He spoke of Master Clarke," answered Freda, lowering her voice.
"He is fearful of danger to him."

"Danger for Clarke!" cried Dalaber, almost hotly. "But he has never
had aught to do with the sale or distribution of forbidden books.
He knows of it, but he takes no part in it. What can they urge
against him?"

"They only whisper it as yet, but Arthur says they suspect him of
heresy. Men who have heard him lecture and preach have spoken of
his doctrine, and others have pronounced it dangerous. Arthur
himself is full of wrath, for he loves Master Clarke as a brother,
and he says he has never heard aught but holy and pure teaching
drop from his lips; and none may doubt that Arthur is a true son of
the church. He went forth again for tidings; but he only learned
that the Dean of Cardinal College, the Commissary of the
University, Dr. London of New College, and a few others of like
standing with themselves, have met in consultation more than once
during the day, and that it is whispered abroad that whether or not
they lay hands on Master Garret, they are going to make strict
inquisition throughout Oxford for the discovery of heretical
teachers and thinkers in the university, and take measures whereby
the spread of the peril may be arrested."

Dalaber and Freda stood face to face in the flickering light, their
eyes full upon each other. He bent down suddenly, and kissed her
with an almost passionate intensity of feeling.

"If they make strict inquisition, my beloved, they may find that
Anthony Dalaber is numbered amongst the heretics."

"I know it," Freda answered, and her voice was very low.

"And if they should hale him to prison what shall he say and do?
Wouldst thou that he should save himself by submission and
obedience? or shall he be bold to speak, let the consequences be
what they may?"

He reached out and held her han