se
Spanish visits had got abroad. The Dean men were proud of their
magnificent sweep of forest-clad hills and dales, and prouder still of
the oaks that gave their beloved England her impregnable "wooden
walls." They were wild with anger and indignation when the first
rumours of King Philip's plot came to their ears. Now they were
inclined to treat the daring project with quiet contempt, but Windybank
knew that scant mercy would be shown a forest man who should be so
unspeakably treacherous as to favour the scheme, even by so little as
holding converse with one of the hated plotters.

These thoughts running through his mind, Master Andrew did not return
the Spaniard's salutation, but waved him aside and endeavoured to
continue his way. Basil barred the path, his black plumed hat still in
his hand, and his face wearing a caricature of a smile.

"One faithful son of the Church should not refuse greeting to a
brother," he said.

"What dost thou want?" was the curt response.

"I am come upon business that hath the blessing of the Holy Father."

"I'll not listen!"

Windybank thrust out his arm to push his unwelcome companion aside.
Basil took him by the shoulders and stared into his face with an
intentness that made the young fellow fancy that the fierce, black orbs
confronting him were burning holes in his brain. For two minutes, that
seemed two full hours, the gaze was concentrated upon him. Windybank
felt his body shrinking into a smaller compass under the fascination.
His breath came thickly, his knees trembled, and his heart laboured in
its beating.

"The Holy Father hath sent a message to thee."

"I have heard it," was slowly gasped out.

"He hath sent another. Thou darest not refuse to listen." The
ex-monk's hand was uplifted in warning. "Shall I be forced to curse
thee as thou standest?" he whispered. "'Tis obey, and be blessed above
measure; or refuse, and--thou knowest the penalty; I will not speak it
here. Listen! Father Jerome and I will come to thee at midnight.
Thou wilt meet us at thy gate and show us to a chamber where we may
confer in secret. Remember!"

Windybank felt the iron hand lifted from his shoulder. Basil was gone.
For a minute he stared blankly at the bush behind which he had
disappeared. A warning signal, "At midnight, remember!" came to his
ears, and awoke him from his half-stupor. He shook himself, tried to
answer, uttered no word, then passed on. He entered his hous