ink, as the citizens went to and fro from each other's houses.
Another knock was heard at Master Gresham's door.

"A stranger desires to see you, sir," said the porter. "He declines
giving his name, but he says you know him, and will, he is sure, greet
him kindly."

"What is he like?" asked Master Gresham. "I cannot admit strangers.
Beg him to write his name on this tablet; but do not tell him that I am
within till I hear who he is."

This caution, as may be supposed, was not unnecessary in those dangerous
times; for though Master Gresham had had the assurance of Sir John Leigh
that he need no longer apprehend danger, he yet knew the treachery of
which Bishop Gardiner was capable, and that, did he wish to get rid of
him, he would not hesitate to do so, in spite of the support he might be
receiving from other friends. The tablet was soon brought back.

"Admit him--admit him instantly," said Master Gresham, as soon as he saw
the name; and, rising from his seat as the stranger entered, he
stretched forth both his hands.

"My dear friend, Master John Foxe, I greet you heartily," he said,
leading him to a chair. "My wife, here is one whom I have known from my
youth upwards--a true and bold champion of the faith. And what is your
pleasure, Master Foxe? it would be mine to aid you if I had the power."

"In troth, Master Gresham, it is to advise me how I can best leave this
fair kingdom of England, and to help me in so doing," answered the
visitor. "I had hoped that a humble man like me might have escaped
persecution, but I have received notice that if I remain my life will
have to pay the penalty; so I am about to put the seas between myself
and our sovereign Lady and her fire-loving Bishop; for although I am
ready to burn, if called on to witness to the faith, yet I see no reason
why I should not fly from danger, if by so doing I may live to bear a
faithful testimony in after years."

"You speak wisely, Master Foxe," said Master Gresham. "Even now I am
about to start for the Netherlands; and we will bear each other company.
The wind holds from the north, and I propose therefore taking ship from
Ipswich. We may thus speedily reach a port in Flanders, whence we can
travel on to Antwerp. You may there for a time as a foreigner be safe
from persecution under my protection, unless you take to public teaching
and preaching. In that case I should be unable to protect you."

"Thank thee, my friend," answered Master