hat
was afoot and come to fight for his religion, even as Louise de
Querouaille fought for hers, though in a most different fashion?

I had reached the door of the room and was in the passage. Nell came to
the threshold and stood there smiling. I had asked no more questions and
made no conditions; I knew that Buckingham must not show himself in the
matter, and that all was left to me, heart, head, hand, sword, and also
that same reward, if I were so lucky as to come by it. I waited for a
moment, half expecting that Phineas, hearing my voice, would show
himself, but he did not appear. Nell waved her hand to me; I bowed and
took my leave, turning my steps back towards the Castle. The Court would
be awake, and whether on my own account or for my new commission's sake
I must be there.

I had not mounted far before I heard a puffing and blowing behind. The
sound proved to come from Jonah Wall, who was toiling after me, laden
with a large basket. I had no eagerness for Jonah's society, but
rejoiced to see the basket; for my private store of food and wine had
run low, and if a man is to find out what he wants to know, it is well
for him to have a pasty and a bottle ready for those who can help him.

"What have you there?" I called, waiting for him to overtake me.

He explained that he had been making purchases in the town and I praised
his zeal. Then I asked him suddenly:

"And have you visited your friend Mr Tate?"

As I live, the fellow went suddenly pale, and the bottles clinked in
his basket from the shaking of his hand. Yet I spoke mildly enough.

"I--I have seen him but once or twice, sir, since I learnt that he was
in the town. I thought you did not wish me to see him."

"Nay, you can see him as much as you like, as long as I don't," I
answered in a careless tone, but keeping an attentive eye on Jonah. His
perturbation seemed strange. If Phineas' business were only the
conversion of Mistress Gwyn, what reason had Jonah Wall to go white as
Dover cliffs over it?

We came to the Castle and I dismissed him, bidding him stow his load
safely in my quarters. Then I repaired to the Duke of Monmouth's
apartments, wondering in what mood I should find him after last night's
rebuff. Little did he think that I had been a witness of it. I entered
his room; he was sitting in his chair, with him was Carford. The Duke's
face was as glum and his air as ill-tempered as I could wish. Carford's
manner was subdued, calm, and sympat