poke, a thought had flashed on me, and, presently I replied,
humbly enough:

"Master, I am bound to obey you. When you asked me a week since, I
answered you like a fool. I have thought better of it, and if you will
yet trust me, I am ready to start to-night."

At that he gripped my hand, and said he knew I was a good lad all along,
and was content to forgive me. And he told me what grief my
disobedience had caused him and my mistress, and read me a long sermon
on the sinfulness of my course.

"As to thy voyage," said he, "I hear there sails a ship from the pool
for Rochelle to-morrow at dawn. Make ready to start, therefore, and
meanwhile I will write you your letters for my kinsfolk there."

It seemed he would stay all day; and presently he sent me a message to a
stationer on Ludgate Hill, which I must needs take, and so leave him and
Ludar alone in the house.

While out, I got a great fright. For the watch were abroad in search of
the notable villain who had late escaped from her Majesty's Tower, and
who was reported to have been seen lurking in the disguise of a carter,
not many days since, near Newgate. And it was said, I heard, that he
had been seen even later than that--to wit, yesterday--at Smithfield,
where he had suddenly left his cart and disappeared. And some said it
was known he had a confederate in the city, who was giving him shelter,
and of whose name the watch had a pretty shrewd guess. Whereupon, ill
at ease, I said, "Pray Heaven they may find both the rogues," and so
hastened back as fast as my legs would carry me to Temple Bar.

There I found my master ready to leave.

"Here are the letters," said he, "and money. While you are gone I must
hire a man to see to the printing here, since my duties will take me
elsewhere. Should aught befall me, Humphrey, you must keep the work
going for the sake of your mistress and the children. For it is like
enough my head is none too safe on my shoulders, or if it is, it may
chance I must hold it up a while across the seas. My lad, God hath
chosen you to assist in a mighty work, which, whether it succeed or
fail, will be a thing to pride in some day hence. Farewell, my son, see
you get good type for the money, and bring it quickly. So, Heaven speed
you."

When he was gone I went up and found Ludar mad with hunger and
impatience.

"What news?" said he, "and speak not to me unless it be to say, dinner
is served."

He looked pale and harassed, a