bly to their
never having heard the Gospel preached. The proposal of the priest was
not, at all events, to their taste, and their hearts revolted at the
thought of the treachery they were required to undertake.

Still, they were timid people, and dreaded to offend the priest. A
third person, however, was present. It was their daughter Margery. She
had on several occasions heard the preachers, in King Edward's time,
telling in simple language the truths of the Gospel. She had also, with
her savings, purchased a Bible, which she carefully treasured up, and
kept in her own room, bringing it down at times to read to her father
and mother. Thus they, too, also had a knowledge of God's Word. Father
Overton, finding that they did not willingly enter into his views, began
to threaten them, telling them how many people had already been cast
into prison, to be given ere long to the flames, and that unless they
showed their love to the mother Church they too might suffer the same
fate. Margery said nothing, but, with her eyes cast on the ground, kept
spinning away as if scarcely heeding the words which were spoken.

At length the dame, fearing that the Father would put his threats into
execution, agreed to follow his wishes. Father Overton, therefore,
telling his companion to lead away their horses to a farm at some
distance, desired Farmer Hadden to place him in a cupboard whence he
could overhear all that was said by their guests. Margery well knew
that though he might hear he could not see. As soon, therefore, as he
was shut in, she, placing her spinning-wheel aside, threw her kerchief
over her head and hurried out to meet the voyagers.

She speedily encountered Master Gresham with John Foxe and Ernst. Her
voice trembled with agitation as she told them what had occurred; "But
do not blame my parents," she exclaimed; "they are forced to act as they
are about to do, and they themselves hate the very notion of betraying
you, their guests. Only be cautious, therefore, and remember that
whatever is said will be heard by hostile ears."

"Thank you, maiden; we will be cautious; but nevertheless we will speak
freely from God's Word. The fear of what man can do unto us should not
make us hold our tongues," replied Foxe.

Margery having given her warning, hurried back to the farm.

In a short time Master Gresham, with the preacher and Ernst, arrived,
and made arrangements with the farmer and his wife for the accommodat