y crime."

"Better men have been placed in a worse situation," answered Ernst. "In
my country hundreds, nay thousands, of persons, for no crime but that of
worshipping God according to their consciences, have been not only
committed to prison and tortured, but burned, and otherwise put to
death."

"Surely the people of England would never submit to such tyranny as
that!" exclaimed A'Dale.

"I know not," observed Ernst; "may be they will have no choice. Had
there been more men of true heart among them, they would have rescued
that sweet Lady Jane Grey and her young and handsome husband. When I
found that the Queen had the heart to allow them to be put to death, I
felt sure that she would not hesitate to destroy all who might oppose
her will."

"I hope we may escape from her power," observed A'Dale. "Who was the
gallant gentleman who spoke to you? Do you think he can help us?"

Ernst told his friend. "I know little of him," he added; "but he seems
to be a man of influence, and kindly disposed towards me."

The warden fulfilled his promise to the lads, though not exactly as they
desired. A mattress was brought them, and a coarse and not over-clean
covering; food also on a trencher, and a mug of ale was sent in, but the
food was badly cooked, and the ale was none of the best. There was,
however, a sufficiency to satisfy hunger and thirst; and they hoped for
little more than that. They had been on foot all day. They were glad,
when it grew dark, to throw themselves on their rough bed, and there in
a short time they forgot their anxiety in sleep. The next day they
waited anxiously for news from Sir John De Leigh, but none came. Ernst
hoped also that some messenger might arrive from Lady Anne, trusting
that Sir John had fulfilled his promise by informing her what had
happened to them. They were doomed, however, to be disappointed.
Towards evening, Master Babbington, the sub-warden, failed not to make
his appearance.

"You remember my remark of yesterday evening, my young masters," he
observed. "I have to demand a further payment, or I must place another
person in this chamber instead of you, and remove you to one below,
which may not be so pleasant."

"We are willing to pay yet further, Master Warden," answered Ernst; "but
I would beg you also to give us more liberty. We neither desire nor
have the power of quitting the prison, having reason to believe that our
friends will intercede in our behalf; but