and for Clarke, and for others known to you, and who would suffer grief, and fall perhaps into some peril were you to be taken.  Also, I hold that it is ofttimes right to succour the weak against the strong, and I love not persecution in any form, though the contumacious and recalcitrant have to be sternly dealt with.  So fare you well, and get you gone quickly, for after this night there will be no safety for you in Oxford.”

With that Cole turned to depart; but he laid a hand on Dalaber’s arm, and the latter, understanding the hint, went with him down the staircase, where they paused in the darkness.

“Have a care, Anthony, have a care,” spoke Cole with energy.  “I know not as yet whether you be suspected or not; but, truly, you have shown yourself something reckless in these matters, and there must be many in the place who could betray to the proctors your dealings with Garret.  Send him forth without delay.  Let there be no dallying or tarrying.  Look well to it; and if you have any forbidden books, let them be instantly destroyed.  Keep nothing that can be used as evidence against you, for I verily believe there will be close and strict search and inquest made, in accordance with the cardinal’s mandate.  I only hope and trust that our worthy friend Clarke may not fall into the hands of the bloodhounds, keen on the scent of heresy.”

“God forbid!” cried Anthony quickly.

“God forbid indeed!  But there is no knowing.  He may be in peril, and others, too.  But let there be an end tonight of all dallying with dangerous persons.  Send Garret away forthwith, burn your books, and settle once more to your rightful studies.  You have played with fire something too long, Anthony; let there be an end of it forthwith, lest the fire leap upon you in a fashion you think not of.”

Chapter VII:  In Peril

Dalaber stood a moment as though turned to stone as the full import of these words flashed into his mind.  Again he was conscious of the sensation as though cold water were being poured upon him.  He found himself shuddering strongly, and stepped out into the street to breathe the freshness of the air.  Almost at the moment two of his comrades and confederates, Udel and Diet by name, both of Corpus Christi College, chanced to come along the street, and Dalaber, catching each by an arm, drew them into the shelter of the doorway, and whispered to them the peril in which they all stood more or less involved.

If an inquiry were set on foot none could say where it would cease, or who might be suspected.  It was evident that Garret himself stood in imminent peril, and that to get him safely away from the city was the first duty incumbent upon them.  As soon as ever the gates of the town were opened on the morrow he ought to start away to some place of safety.

But where could such a place be found?  The three young men went upstairs to Dalaber’s lodging, where Garret was standing by the darkening window, lost in thought.