brethren; and as soon as he
saw Dalaber he quickly ran forward.

"We are undone!" he exclaimed. "They have taken Master Garret. He
is in prison in Lincoln College. He is to be strictly examined
after evensong today. If he refuse to give up the names of all to
whom he has sold his books, and who have listened to his teachings,
they declare he will be sent to the Tower to be examined by the
rack."

The young lad was quivering all over in excitement and fear.
Arthur, coming up at the same minute, spoke almost fiercely.

"What possessed the man to return to Oxford, once he was safe away?
It seems he came back after dark last night, and was seen and
followed and reported on. They found him at midnight, and will use
sharp methods with him. I have no love for Garret and his firebrand
doctrines; but he will be the means of betraying the whole
brotherhood, an he be not steadfast; and who knows how such an one
will meet the trials which will beset him? If he should betray
thee, Dalaber, or our good master and friend John Clarke, I should
find it hard indeed to forgive him."

"He will betray none--" began Dalaber; but Cole broke in with a
scornful snort.

"I would not answer for him. He is a strange mixture of strength
and weakness, devotion, constancy, and nervous fear. He--"

"He will not betray any, for he is no longer a prisoner. He has
escaped from the commissary's house. He is miles away from Oxford
by this time. Heaven send he quickly escape beyond the seas!"

Dalaber then related what had passed during the afternoon; and
Eden, with great joy, volunteered to take the news to some of the
brethren, who were suffering great anxiety on his behalf. As for
Dalaber himself, he desired above all things to see and speak with
Clarke; and Arthur being of the same mind, they proceeded arm in
arm along the street in the direction of St. Frideswyde, where
evensong would soon be in course of proceeding.

"It seems to me, friend Anthony," spoke Arthur gravely, "that if
Master Garret has escaped, you are the person most in peril now. If
that young man betrays that he fled to you in your lodging in
Gloucester College, they will not be long in calling upon you to
answer to them for it."

"I trust I shall be ready to do so," answered Dalaber, with grave
steadfastness.

Arthur looked at him with a mixture of admiration and uneasiness.
He hesitated awhile, and then said:

"What think you of an instant flight? I would help you wit