“I have heard the same from others,” answered Dr. Higdon; “and albeit he has never been a student here, nor come under my care, I have oftentimes come across him, in that he has sung in our chapel, and lent us the use of his tuneful voice in our services of praise.  I have noted him many a time, and sometimes have had conversation with him, in the which I have been struck by his versatility and quickness of apprehension.  Therefore (having in this matter certain powers from my lord cardinal in dealing with these hapless young men) I am most anxious so to work upon his spirit that he show himself not obstinate and recalcitrant.  Almost all his comrades have proved their wisdom and the sincerity of their professed devotion to Holy Church by promising submission to the godly discipline and penance to be imposed upon them; but Dalaber remains mutely obstinate when spoken to, and will neither answer questions nor make any confession or recantation of error.  I have therefore avoided his company, and abstained from pressing him, lest this only make him the more obstinate.  I would fain use gentle and persuasive measures with all these misguided youths, and I trow that we shall thus win them, as we might never do by harshness and cruelty.  Loneliness and the taste they have had—­some amongst them—­of prison life has done somewhat to tame them; and for the rest, we have had little trouble in persuading them to be wise and docile.”

“I am right glad to hear it,” spoke Arthur quickly, “for I have consorted with many amongst these same men; and I know right well that they are godly and well-disposed youths, earnestly desirous to be at peace with all men, and to live in obedience to Holy Church, whom they reverence and love as their mother.  They have been something led away through such men as Master Garret, who—­”

Arthur paused, for a curious smile had illumined Dr. Higdon’s face.  He looked full at Arthur as he said: 

“Yes, Master Garret has been much to blame in this matter; but the cardinal has so dealt with him by gentleness and kindness, and by the clear and forceful reasoning of which he is master, that Thomas Garret himself is now here in Oxford, ready to do penance for his sins of disobedience and rebellion; and to this submission do we owe that of his confederates and lesser brethren.  When they heard that he had promised compliance to the cardinal’s commands, they themselves yielded without much delay.”

“Garret here in Oxford!” exclaimed Arthur, in surprise, “and a penitent, submissive to the cardinal!  Then, truly, no others should be hard to persuade.  But what is it that the cardinal asks of them?”

Dr. Higdon smiled that rather subtle smile which on many faces, and especially on those of ecclesiastics, tends to grow into one of craft.