since my infancy I
have never known him, nor even whether he is alive or dead."

"And your mother?--can you tell me of her, young lady?" he asked. "Are
you her only child, or had she others?"

"I was her only child," answered Aveline, "and, alas! I lost her when
very young. She died during the reign of cruel Queen Mary--put to death
at Smithfield, because she loved her Bible, and held to Protestant
truth."

"And your name is Aveline?" exclaimed the stranger, taking both her
hands, and gazing earnestly in her face. "Then it was my beloved wife,
your mother, who was thus foully murdered; and you are my own sweet
child, for I was her husband! I am Captain Radford. I am your father,
Aveline!"

Aveline put her hands on her father's neck as she received his kiss.

"I believe it; I am sure you are," she answered; "for even now, though I
was so young when last I saw you, I remember your features, and your
voice strikes on my ear like an old familiar sound."

While Captain Radford and Aveline were conversing together, Master
Clough made further inquiries concerning what had occurred, and begged
that I would accompany him to the place of meeting, to ascertain what
had become of the prisoners. Of course, though the risk was very great,
I consented immediately, and Captain Radford also desired to accompany
us. "My daughter will be safe here, and I cannot let you go alone, my
friend," he said. "As Englishmen, we shall not be interfered with."

The two gentlemen put on their cloaks, and taking their swords, we all
three sallied out together, and made our way directly to the house I
have spoken of. As we approached it, we saw torches blazing up, and
found a guard of musketeers at the door. Pretending ignorance of what
had happened, we inquired why the guard was posted at the house.

"Some Anabaptists or other heretics have been holding one of their
assemblies in this house, and have all been seized, and are about to be
carried off to prison," answered the sergeant of the guard.

"Did they yield willingly, or was any resistance made?" I asked,
anxious to ascertain, if possible, who had been hurt.

"Indeed there was, and four or five met their deaths in consequence. It
was through their own folly. However they have saved the executioner
some trouble," answered the soldier.

Deeply grieved at these words, and anxious for the fate of our friends,
I inquired if we could see the dead people.

"If it will please y