do, I
may promise you the freedom of your friend. But recollect the risk you
run is a very fearful one. If you are captured, your life will pay the
penalty."

I replied that I would run every risk for the sake of saving the life of
my friend, and asked what plan she proposed.

"I have, you understand, assistants in every direction," she said. "I
have made it to be understood that the minister, Overton, would, if duly
instructed, be disposed to return to the old faith. I have therefore
suggested that a certain learned friar should be allowed to visit him,
who will bring forward such irresistible arguments that he will be
unable to withstand them. I have bribed the guards to shut their eyes,
should they observe anything suspicious, especially if two friars are
seen to go out instead of the one who might have entered. Now see!"

As the old woman spoke, she rose and took from a chest on one side of
the room two bundles.

"Here are two friars' dresses, with all things requisite," she observed.
"Do you dress in one of them, and conceal the other round your body
beneath your gown. I have a pass ready to admit you into the prison;
when there, I must leave the rest to your discretion and judgment.
To-morrow before noon will be the best time to visit the prison, when
the attention of the people will be drawn off towards the ceremony I was
describing to you. This will give you time to see your friend in
safety, and to assist in the rescue of the young lady."

My spirits rose on hearing the plan of the old woman; and I should then
and there have given her the whole of the money with which I hoped to
bribe her, had I not thought it possible she might take the bribe and
neglect to perform her part of the contract. Having a great deal to do,
I took leave of her as soon as these arrangements were made, and
hastened back to Master Clough's house.

Here I was engaged till daylight in seeing his property packed, which
was to be shipped in the morning, and in making arrangements with the
clerks and servants who were still to remain. At length, overcome, I
lay down for an hour on my bed, charging Jacob to call me in ample time
to prepare for my hazardous undertaking. When I arose again I need
scarcely say that I prayed earnestly for protection, that all those in
whom I was interested might escape from the dangers which surrounded us.
I had still much to do, so there was but little time for thought. My
chief consolation w