“Upon what charge am I arrested?” he asked quietly.

“You will hear that at the right time and in the right place,” was the stern reply; “we are not here to bandy words with you.  Put on your gown and hood, though you so little deserve such garb, and come whither you are led.  Force will not be used unless you compel it.”

Garret resumed the outer garments he had laid aside for the night, and pronounced himself ready to follow them whither they would.

“Take him to Lincoln College,” spoke the senior proctor to his servants.  “Dr. London will keep him in ward, and deal with him in the first place.”

A slight smile passed over Garret’s face.  Dr. London of Lincoln was well known as one of the most bitter persecutors of the new opinions, and was reported to have stocks and other implements of punishment in a room in his house, which were used upon the recalcitrant and obstinate according to his pleasure.  If he were to be Dr. London’s prisoner, then farewell to any hopes of mercy.

Nevertheless he uttered no word as the men led him through the silent streets.  The rain had ceased, and the moon was shining in the sky.  The whole city seemed asleep as they hastened along.

But as they approached Lincoln College signs of life appeared.  In the rector’s house lights gleamed from several windows; and as Garret was pushed in at a side door, which was securely locked behind him, and led into a large, square hall, he saw the stern and frowning face of Dr. London gazing at him from the stairway, and a loud and masterful voice exclaimed: 

“Take him into the strong room, and lock him up for the night.  I will have speech with him upon the morrow.”

Garret was led down a short, flagged passage, and thrust through an open door into a perfectly dark room.  The door was closed, the bolt shot home, and he was left in silence and blackness to the company of his own thoughts.

Chapter IX:  A Steadfast Spirit

The day which was spent by Thomas Garret in retracing his steps back to Oxford was passed not unhappily by Anthony Dalaber, who, after the lapse of two uneventful days, began to draw breath again, and make sure of the safety of his friend.

He had matters of his own which occupied much of his attention.  The store of forbidden books brought to Oxford by Garret had been divided pretty equally between him and Radley; and Dalaber had contrived a very ingenious hiding place just outside his lodging room in St. Alban Hall, where, by removing some planking of the floor, a cavity in the wall had been carefully excavated, and the books secreted there, where it would be difficult for any to find them who had not the clue to the hiding place.