"I did not, in good sooth," said he, "only I dared not to ask."

While he spoke, they heard John's hand upon the latch.

Kate instantly rushed upon him, crying, "Father, come and see!"

"Come and see what, sweeting?" said he.

"Come and see!" she answered, pulling him after her into the room.

Mr Rose followed more quietly. John, come into the room, stood gazing
at Robin as though he knew not what to make of it. Mr Rose passed him
and came forward.

"Robin Tremayne!" said he. "I scarce dared to hope it."

So when all the glad greetings were over, they sat down, and drew their
chairs round the fire. Barbara came in with the supper-board, and
stared when Robin said, "Good even, Barbara."

"Sir!" queried she, looking at him in amazement. "Nay, sure! 'tis never
Master Robin come back? Well, I be cruel glad!"

"And now, Robin," said John, "we want thine history, writ fair in a
great book."

"Then, Father," he answered, and smiled, "you must tarry the writing.
But I count I take you. Mine history is not very long, for there was
but little change in it."

"But, Robin," said Isoult, "where hast thou been, dear lad? Austin
Bernher hath searched all the prisons for thee, yea, over and over, for
months past, and asked at many prisoners; yet could never bring us
tidings."

"I trow, Mother," answered Robin, again smiling, "he searched every
whither but the right. And few prisoners should have known anything of
me, seeing I was kept alone."

"Did they count thee a prisoner of import?" said John, in an astonished
tone.

"From what I heard them say," answered Robin, looking at Mr Rose, "I may
thank you for that. Taking me with you, and standing close by you, they
counted me a very pestilent heretic, and treated me as such."

"Ah! see what it is to fall into bad company!" said Mr Rose, smiling.

"Well, Robin," said Isoult, "thou shalt tell us all after supper, an'
thou wilt. But now all is ready, an't please you."

So they gathered round the supper-table, and Mr Rose had only just said
grace, when the latch was lifted, and Mr Underhill's cheery voice
cried--

"May an heretic come in?"

"Come forward, Ned!" shouted John in return.

And forward he came.

"I am weary as a dog!" said he. "And I see yonder some eggs and butter
[`Buttered eggs' survive north of the Trent] that doth make my mouth
water; and a warden-pie [the warden was a very late pear, used chiefly
for pies], if mine eyes bewray me n