up. Can I tell you what pain it was? The light--the sweet
summer light of heaven--was become torture; and I could neither stand
nor walk. `Ha!' saith he, when he saw this, `you have not grown
stronger. How liked you Little Ease?'--`I like what God liketh for me,'
I made answer. He looked on me somewhat scornfully. `Methinks you be
but half rocked yet,' saith he. `Maybe you shall come back. Matt!' At
the shout an under-gaoler came forth of a door. `Take thou this fellow
by the arm,' saith he. `We shall be like to bear him.' Himself took
mine other arm, and so, more borne than walking, I reached the hall of
the Palace. Here they took me into a little light chamber, suffered me
to wash, and gave me clean garments, to my great ease. Then they sat me
down at a table, and set before me a mess of sodden meat, with bread and
drink, and bade me to eat well. I thought I was going afore the Bishop
for sentence. But, to my surprise, they let me alone; locked me into
the chamber, and there left me. This chamber had a barred window,
looking out on the Palace court, in the midst whereof was a round of
green grass. I cannot set in words the exquisite delight that window
gave me. The green grass and the blue sky--I could never tire of them.
Here they fed me well three times in the day; and at night I lay on a
mattress, which was softer to me then than I ever felt afore a bed of
down. When at last I was strong enough to ride, I was set on an horse,
and his bridle tied to the horse of the Sheriff's man. So we rade away
from Woburn, twenty or more in company. This time I saw we went south.
At the last (I will not essay to tell you with what feelings), I knew we
were nearing London. I wonder where were you, beloved, that even that I
rade in at Aldgate? I looked longingly down the Minories, but I could
see no familiar face."

"Why, Robin dear, what even was it?" said Isoult.

"How shall I tell thee, sweet mother, when I know not yet what even is
this?" said he, and smiled. "It was fifteen weeks from to-day, saving
three days."

"There is a sum!" said Mr Underhill. "Jack, whether can thou or I do
it? Fifteen--two thirty-ones and a thirty--saving three--the 5th of
October, I make it."

"I think so," assented John.

"October!" said Robin, still smiling. "I fancied it earlier. It is
January, then, now? I thought we were not past Christmas. Well,
through the City went we, and into Newgate, where, as afore, I w