instant silence fell again.

He saw the bishop turn and bow slightly in return, and in the stillness
that wonderful voice sounded out, with the clear minuteness of words
spoken in the open air, clear and penetrating over the whole ground.

"I forgive you very heartily; and I hope you will see me overcome this
storm lustily."

The black figure fell back, and the bishop stood hesitating, looking
this way and that as if for direction.

The Lieutenant of the Tower came forward; but Chris could only see his
lips move, as a murmur had broken out again at the bishop's answer; but
he signed with his hand and stepped behind the prisoner.

The bishop nodded, lifted his hand and took off his cap; and his white
hair appeared; then he fumbled at his throat, holding the book and
crucifix in his other hand; and, with the Lieutenant's help, slipped off
his tippet and loose gown; and as he freed himself, and stood in his
doublet and hose, a great sobbing cry of horror and compassion rose from
the straining faces, for he seemed scarcely to be a living man, so
dreadful was his emaciation. Above that lean figure of death looked out
the worn old face, serene and confident. He was again holding the book
and crucifix clasped to his breast, as he stepped to the edge of the
scaffold.

The cry died to a murmur and ceased abruptly as he began his speech,
every word of which was audible.

"Christian people," he began, "I am come hither to die for the faith of
Christ's holy Catholic Church." He raised his voice a little, and it
rang out confidently. "And I thank God that hitherto my stomach hath
served me very well thereunto, so that yet I have not feared death.
Wherefore I desire you all to help and assist with your prayers, that at
the very point and instant of death's stroke I may in that very moment
stand steadfast, without fainting in any one point of the Catholic
Faith, free from any fear."

He paused again; his hands closed one on the other. He glanced up.

"And I beseech the Almighty God of His infinite goodness and mercy, to
save the King and this realm; and that it may please Him to hold His
hand over it, and send the King's Highness good counsel."

He ceased abruptly; and dropped his head.

A gentle groan ran through the crowd.

Chris felt his throat contract, and a mist blinded his eyes for a
moment.

Then he saw the bishop slip the crucifix into his other hand, and open
the book, apparently at random. His lean finger dr