he side.... Have you anything to say?"

"Yes," said Robin.

"What is it?"

"Two things. The first is that I think one of the fellows in the inn is
doubtful of me. Merton tells me he has asked a great number of questions
about me. What had I best do?"

"Who is he?"

"He is a servant of my lord Shrewsbury's who is in the neighbourhood."

The doctor was silent.

"Am I in danger?" asked the priest quietly. "Shall I endanger her
Grace?"

"You cannot endanger her Grace. She is near her end in any case. But
for yourself--"

"Yes."

"You are endangering yourself every instant by remaining," said the
doctor dryly.

"The second matter--" began Robin.

"But what of yourself--"

"Myself must be endangered," said Robin softly. "The second matter is
whether you cannot get me near her Grace in the event of her execution.
I could at least give her absolution _sub conditione_."

Mr. Bourgoign shot a glance at him which he could not interpret.

"Sir," he said; "God will reward you.... As regards the second matter it
will be exceedingly difficult. If it is to be in the open court, I may
perhaps contrive it. If it is to be in the hall, none but known persons
would be admitted.... Have you anything more, sir?"

"No."

"Then you had best be gone again at once.... Her Grace prays for you....
She had a fit of weeping last night to know that a priest was here and
she not able to have him.... Do you pray for her...."

V

Sunday morning dawned; the bells pealed out; the crowds went by the
church and came back to dinner; and yet no word had come to the inn.
Robin scarcely stirred out all that day for fear a summons should come
and he miss it. He feigned a little illness and sat wrapped up in the
corner window of the parlour upstairs, whence he could command both
roads--that which led to the Castle, and that which led to the bridge
over which Mr. Beale must come. He considered it prudent also to do
this, because of the fellow of whom Merton had told him--a man that
looked like a groom, and who was lent, he heard, with one or two others
by his master to do service at the Castle.

Robin's own plan had been distinct ever since M. de Preau had brought
him the first message. He bore himself, as has been said, assuredly and
confidently; and if he were questioned would simply have said that he
had business connected with the Castle. This, asserted in a proper tone,
would probably have its effect. There was so much mystery, in