“I would speak somewhat anent that same matter, Anthony,” said Arthur, suddenly turning upon his friend, and signing him to take the seat opposite.  “It is in some sort on that account I have come.  But first tell me—­is Thomas Garret safely away?”

Yes; on his way—­”

“Nay, tell me not that.  I have no wish to learn his whereabouts—­only that he is safe outside the city, and not likely to be taken.”

“He has been away these two days; and if not taken already, I trow he will escape altogether.”

Arthur heaved a sigh of satisfaction and relief.

“I am right glad to hear that, Anthony—­for your sake almost more than for his, since you are my friend.”

“And why for my sake, Arthur?”

“Marry, thus that had Garret been found in the place, they would not have stopped short with laying hands upon him.  They would have seized also those who had consorted with him.  Not finding him, they begin to doubt whether the cardinal was right in tracing him hither, and whether he and his books have indeed been brought here.  But let them once lay hands upon him, and not he alone, but also his comrades and associates, will stand in much peril.  So have a care, friend Anthony.”

Dalaber felt the thrill of what was half relief, half fear, run through him; but his glance did not quail.

“He is gone,” he answered quietly, “and no man has sought to lay hands upon me.”

“No, and right glad am I of it.  I have spoken up for you as one of my friends, and a young man of promise and integrity.  But I beg you to have a care for the future, Anthony, and especially during these Lenten weeks upon which we have just entered.  For a strict watch will be kept over all suspected men; and if you are found with forbidden books in your possession—­”

Arthur’s eyes roved keenly round the pleasant chamber as he left his sentence unfinished.

“I have none here,” answered Dalaber.  “I have nothing but mine own little copy of the Gospels, which I carry ever on my own person.  There are no books here to bring danger upon me or any.”

“I am right glad to hear it, and I trust you will have no more to do with that perilous traffic.  For sooner or later it will bring all men into trouble who mix themselves up with it.  And for you who can read the Scriptures in the tongues in which they were written there is the less excuse.  I warn you to have a care, friend Anthony, in your walk and conversation.  I trust that the storm will pass by without breaking; but there is no telling.  There is peril abroad, suspicion, anger, and distrust.  A spark might fire a mighty blaze.  The cardinal’s warning and rebuke to the heads of colleges has wrought great consternation and anger.  They are eager to purge themselves of the taint of heresy, and to clear themselves in his eyes.”

“I misdoubt me they will ever succeed there,” muttered Dalaber, with a slight smile.  “Thought will not be chained.”