me widespread in Alcala, and
reached the ears even of the Inquisitors who were at Toledo, and who,
as their host testified, styled Ignatius and his associates, Legati or
Illuminati, and threatened him with capital punishment.

The Inquisitors who had come to Alcala to investigate their actions
left the entire affair in the hands of the Vicar Figueroa, who was
then negotiating with the Emperor, and returned to Toledo without
having even once summoned them. Figueroa granted them the right to
continue the work in which they were engaged, and the Inquisitors,
after mature deliberation, discovered error neither in their doctrines
nor in their manner of life.

They did not, however, favor their custom of dressing alike, as they
were not Religious. Ignatius replied that the wish of the Vicar would
be obeyed, but he added: "I do not see the fruit of these
examinations, since but a few days ago a certain priest refused holy
communion to one, on the plea that he had communicated but eight days
before; and to me, indeed, he gave it very reluctantly. We would like
to know whether or not we have been guilty of any heresy?" "None,"
replied Figueroa, "else you would have been led to the stake." "And
they would likewise have led you to the stake," responded Ignatius,
"had you been convicted of heresy."

The dress was changed according to the wish of Figueroa, who also
desired that the pilgrim should not go around barefooted for at least
fifteen or twenty days. This command was also obeyed.

Four months after, Figueroa, a second time, brought the Inquisition to
bear upon them, influenced, as I think, by the fact that a certain
married woman of rank, who chanced to be singularly devoted to the
pilgrim, went in disguise at daybreak to visit Ignatius at the
hospital where he was staying. But even on this occasion Ignatius was
not summoned to appear before the Inquisition; nor was any sentence
pronounced against him.

CHAPTER VI

THE PRISONS AT ALCALA AND SALAMANCA

After the space of four months, Ignatius, who did not remain at the
hospital, was taken from his lodging by a public officer, who cast him
into prison, with the command not to depart until otherwise ordered.

This took place during the summer months, and as the discipline of the
prison was not very strict, an opportunity of visiting him was
afforded many persons, to whom he explained the principles of
Christian faith and the Exercises, as was his wont when enjo