, Mr.
Anthony the seventh son, with two of his sisters, as well as Thomas
FitzHerbert's wife, who rode with them, whether as a spy or not was
never known. Further, Mr. Fenton himself, hearing of their coming, had
ridden up from Tansley, and missed the messenger that Marjorie had sent
out. They had not arrived till late, missing again, by a series of
mischances, the scouts Marjorie had posted; and, on discovering their
danger, had further discovered the house to be already watched. They
judged it better, therefore, as Marjorie said in her letter, to feign
unconsciousness of any charge against them, since there was no priest in
the house who could incriminate them.

All this the travellers learned for the first time at Langley.

They had gone through into Staffordshire, as had been arranged, and
there had moved about from house to house of Catholic friends without
any trouble. It was when at last they thought it safe to be moving
homewards, and had arrived at Langley, that they found Marjorie's letter
awaiting them. It was addressed to Mr. John FitzHerbert and was brought
by Robin's old servant, Dick Sampson.

"The assault was made," wrote Marjorie, "according to the arrangement.
Mr. Columbell himself came with a score of men and surrounded the house
very early, having set watchers all in place the evening before: they
had made certain they should catch the master and at least a priest or
two. But I have very heavy news, for all that; for there had come to the
house after dark Mr. Anthony FitzHerbert, with two of his sisters, Mrs.
Thomas FitzHerbert and Mr. Fenton himself, and they have carried the two
gentlemen to the Derby gaol. I have had no word from Mr. Anthony, but I
hear that he said that he was glad that his father was not taken, and
that his own taking he puts down to his brother's account, as yourself,
sir, also did. The men did no great harm in Padley beyond breaking a
panel or two: they were too careful, I suppose, of what they think will
be Mr. Topcliffe's property some day! And they found none of the
hiding-holes, which is good news. The rest of the party they let go free
again for the present.

"I have another piece of bad news, too--which is no more than what we
had looked for: that Mr. Simpson at the Assizes was condemned to death,
but has promised to go to church, so that his life is spared if he will
do so. He is still in the gaol, however, where I pray God that Mr.
Anthony may meet with him and bri