und for that fantasy?"

"Methought I saw the nether end of a mitre, broidered on the sleeve of
the shorter man, where his cloak was caught aside upon the settle knob.
Look you, I am not sure; but I'm 'feared lest it so be."

"Jack, couldst thou stand the fire?"

"I wis not, Nichol. Could you?"

"I cast no doubt I could do all things through Christ, nor yet that
without Christ I could do nothing."

"It may come close, ere long," said Banks gravely.

The two travellers, meanwhile, had mounted their horses, and were riding
in the direction of Goudhurst. A third man followed them, leading a
baggage-horse. As they went slowly along, the taller man said--

"Have you all you need, now, Malledge?"

"All but one matter, Master Sumner--we know not yet where Hall dwelleth.
Trust me, but I coveted your grave face, when we heard tell of Tabby
horsewhipping yon Benden!"

"He hath his demerits," said the sumner,--that is, the official who
served the summonses to the ecclesiastical courts.

"Of that I cast no doubt; nor care I if Tabby thrash him every day, for
my part. When come we in our proper persons, to do our work?"

"That cannot I tell. We must first make report to my Lord of Dover."

A young girl and a little child came tripping down the road. The short
man drew bridle and addressed them.

"Pray you, my pretty maids, can you tell me where dwelleth Mistress
Bradbridge? I owe her a trifle of money, and would fain pay the same."

"Oh yes, sir!" said little Patience Bradbridge eagerly; "she's my
mother. She dwells in yon white house over the field yonder."

"And Master Roger Hall, where dwelleth he?"

Penuel Pardue hastily stopped her little friend's reply.

"Master Hall is not now at home, my masters, so it should be to no
purpose you visit his house. I give you good-morrow."

"Wise maid!" said Malledge with a laugh, when the girls were out of
hearing. "If all were as close as thou, we should thrive little."

"They are all in a story!" said the sumner.

"Nay, not all," replied Malledge. "We have one to thank. But truly,
they are a close-mouthed set, the most of them."

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN.

THE JUSTICE IS INDISCREET.

"Methinks we be like to have further troubles touching religion in these
parts. Marry, I do marvel what folks would be at, that they cannot be
content to do their duty, and pay their dues, and leave the cure of
their souls to the priest. As good keep a dog and bark thyself,