ht be accommodated. They had not gone far when two
horsemen were perceived coming along the road. As they drew near, they
and the voyagers exchanged looks, and knew each other, even before they
had time to utter greetings, had they so desired. In an instant Master
Gresham recognised Father Overton, the priest, and his companion, who
had followed them to Ipswich.

CHAPTER NINE.

THE ABDICATION OF CHARLES THE FIFTH.

Bishop Gardiner was not a person to allow his prey to escape him if he
could help it. Notice was brought to him that John Foxe was proceeding
to Ipswich, to embark thence for the Continent; he therefore had
despatched Father Overton and another priest on his track, hoping by
some means to entrap him.

Great was the disappointment, therefore, of Father Overton, when he
found that Foxe was in the company of Master Gresham, whom he knew well
to be a prudent man; and still greater when, after all the trouble he
had taken, the whole party got safely on board and proceeded to sea.

His satisfaction may be supposed when he found that they had again
landed. He now felt confident that by some means or other he should be
able to get them into his power.

The only farmhouse in the neighbourhood where the voyagers could obtain
shelter was inhabited by Romanists. Indeed, a large number of the
country people were of that faith. Father Overton, guessing that they
would go there, rode off as fast at his steed could carry him, and
arrived first at the farmhouse.

Farmer Hadden and his wife were at home.

He speedily explained the object of his visit.

"They are fearful heretics," he remarked, "endeavouring to escape the
vengeance of our just laws against such people, and it would be a holy
and pious work in you, my friends, if you will follow my directions and
endeavour to deliver them into my hands. Feed them well, and treat them
well, and afterwards profess that you are followers of the Church of
Rome; but express your desire to be informed of the Protestant tenets,
and show an inclination to leave your present Church. Inform me of all
that is said; or, better still, is there not some place in the house
where you can conceal me, so that I may overhear their words? Thus,
without doubt, we shall get these people into our power, and you will
have performed a meritorious act."

Farmer Hadden and his dame listened to what was said. Now, although
they had not left the ancient faith, this was owing possi