The brothers could scarce grasp the full meaning of these words; but it was not of the philosopher’s stone that their minds were full, and John’s next words interested them more.

“No:  I believe that the wealth which is being accumulated at Basildene is won in far different fashion, and that this miserable boy, who is the helpless slave and tool of his master’s illicit art, is an unwilling agent in showing the so-called magician the whereabouts of hapless travellers, and in luring them on to their destruction.  But that the old man is wealthy above all those about him may not now be doubted; and it is this growing wealth, gotten no man knows how, that makes men believe in his possession of the magic stone.”

“And if we rescue the boy, some part of his power will be gone, and he will lose a tool that he will not easily replace,” cried Gaston, with eager animation.  “Brother, let us not delay.  We have long desired to look upon Basildene; let us sally forth this very day.”

But John laid a detaining hand upon his arm.

“Nay now, why this haste?  Thou art a bold lad, Gaston, but something more than boldness is needed when thou hast such a subtle foe to deal with.  Then there is another thing to think of.  What will it avail to rescue the boy, if his master holds his spirit so in thrall that he can by no means be restrained from rising in the dead of night to return to him again?  There be many things to think of ere we can act.  And we must take counsel of one who knows Basildene, as we do not.  I have never seen the house, and know nothing of its ways.  Till these things were recalled to my memory these last days, I had scarce remembered that such a place existed.”

“Of whom then shall we take counsel?” asked Gaston, with a touch of impatience, for to him action and not counsel was the mainspring of life.  “Of thine uncle, who thou sayest is a friend of this unholy man?”

“Scarce a friend,” answered John, “albeit he has no quarrel with Master Sanghurst; and if thou knewest more of the temper of the times, thou wouldst know that the King’s servants must have a care how they in any wise stir up strife amongst those who dwell in the realm.  We have enemies and to spare abroad —­ in Scotland, in Flanders, in France.  At home we must all strive to keep the peace.  It behoves not one holding office under the crown to embroil himself in private quarrels, or stir up any manner of strife.  This is why I counsel you to make no claim on Basildene for the nonce, and why my uncle could give no help in the matter of this boy, kindly as his heart is disposed towards the poor and oppressed.  He moved once in the matter, with the result that you know.  It could scarce be expected of him to do more.”

“Who then will help or counsel us?”

“I can think of but one, and that is but a slim maiden, whom ye bold lads might despise.  I mean Mistress Joan Vavasour herself.”

“What!” cried Gaston in amaze —­ “the maiden whom Peter Sanghurst is to wed?  Sure that were a strange counsellor to choose!  Good John, thou must be dreaming.”