hat Master Garret is taken?"

"No; but that strict search is to be made for him in and about
Oxford. Is it true that he hath had warning, and is fled? I was
told so, but scarce knew what to believe."

"I saw him forth from the gates at dawn. I marvel they were not
watched; but he was something disguised, and travelled under
another name, so I trust and hope he may escape pursuit. Is it only
he for whom they are looking?"

"I have heard naught of others; but who knows where the thing may
stop? Thou hadst better have a care to thyself, friend Anthony. It
may be that peril will next menace thee."

Alone, Dalaber had felt qualms of fear and dread, but the very
sight of a comrade's face restored him to confidence and courage.

"That may well be," he answered; "and if peril come, I trust I may
have courage to endure all that may be put upon me. I have done
naught of which my conscience accuses me. I can be strong in mine
own integrity of heart."

"Yes; but why court danger?" persisted Fitzjames, who had a cordial
liking for Dalaber. "Methinks you would be safer in some lodging
without the walls, that in case of sudden peril you might the more
readily fly. And if these rooms should become suspected and
watched, it were better you should be elsewhere. Have you not
already spoken of changing into a lodging in Gloucester College,
there to prosecute your studies in law?"

"Truly yes," answered Dalaber eagerly; "and it was but two days
since that Robert Ferrar told me I could have the chamber next to
his, which is now vacant; but I have had so many things to think of
since then that the matter has passed altogether from my mind."

"Then let us quickly remove your belongings thither," spoke
Fitzjames, with some eagerness. "It were better you should be gone;
and I will testify, if question arise, of your reason for moving,
which is that you are relinquishing your divinity studies for those
of the law, and desire to enter a college where there is a library
and more facilities for the prosecution of these studies. It were
better, indeed, since you have resigned all thoughts of the
priesthood, to commence your new studies without further loss of
time. We have had something too much, methinks, of controversy and
questionings of late. Let us seek greater safety by leaving such
matters alone for the nonce. If happier days dawn anon, we may be
able to resume our readings and discussions; but for the moment--"

A significant gest