res at Smithfield, as well as in other parts of the
country, never long together extinguished, burned up brightly and
frequently.

The people submitted, though with an ill grace.

One day A'Dale came and told me there was to be another great burning.
We had heard that several persons--priests, laymen, and women--were
about to be committed to the flames.

"The people have been murmuring more than ever, and would, I believe, if
led on by bold men, attempt to rescue the prisoners. What say you,
Verner? I am ready to risk my life if there is a prospect of success."

"And I likewise," I answered, after a moment's thought. "Well then,
there is no time to be lost. Get your cloak and sword, and if there is
an opportunity we will not let it pass by."

We hurried on. Large crowds were collecting from all quarters. It is
strange that human beings should desire to see the sufferings of their
fellow-creatures. Many, however, were going, we hoped, like ourselves,
to sympathise with the sufferers, or to afford them assistance. As we
went along, we judged from the words we heard uttered that we should not
lack support.

I have had so often before to describe the scenes at Smithfield, that I
will not do so again.

As we arrived at the place, we found the wide space entirely surrounded
by a dense crowd, while every window and other elevated spot in the
neighbourhood was thronged with people, who might gaze upon what was
going forward. There was the platform with the great officers who had
been directed to superintend the executions, and the pulpit for the
friars who were to preach, and the stakes with chains and piles of
faggots.

We heard it again asserted by other bystanders that two priests were to
be burned, and some said there was a little girl. On hearing this,
A'Dale and I started, and inquired earnestly of the speaker if he knew
that what he said was true.

"Too true, I fear me, young masters," he answered. "These people would
burn infants if they could get no others to burn."

"Are men with hearts in their bosoms, and swords in their hands, to see
such things take place, and not attempt to prevent it?" exclaimed
A'Dale, in a determined voice.

I seconded him; for at once the fearful suspicion came across me that
our little Aveline might be the child spoken of. We were rejoiced to
find that several bystanders echoed our sentiments. The feeling that
something should be done to rescue the prisoners spread