“And what have they found?” asked Dalaber, breathlessly.

“I know not all; but mine uncle told me this much—­that they have reported to the cardinal how that the very men chosen and sent by him to ‘his most towardly college,’ as they call it, are those amongst whom the ‘unrighteous leaven’ is working most freely, and they specially mention Clarke and Sumner and the singing man Radley as examples of danger to others.  What will come of this letter God alone may tell.  It has been dispatched, together with the intimation that Garret is not to be found in or near Oxford.  We await in fear and trembling the cardinal’s reply.  Heaven grant that he do not order the arrest of our good friends and godly companions!  I am no lover of heresy, as thou dost know, friend Anthony; but from Master Clarke’s lips there have never fallen words save those of love and light and purity.  To call him a heretic would bring disgrace upon the Church of Christ.  Even mine uncle, to whom I spoke as much, said he had never heard aught but good spoken of these men.”

Dalaber looked very anxious and troubled.  The friends sat silent awhile, and then Arthur suddenly rose to his feet, saying: 

“Let us go and see Master Clarke and have speech of him.  I have not been able to get near to him alone since I knew of this matter—­so many flock to his rooms for teaching or counsel.  But let us to St. Frideswyde for evensong.  He will certainly be in his place there, and afterwards he will accompany us, or let us accompany him, to his chamber, where we can talk of these things in peace.  I have much that I would fain say to him.”

“And for my part, I have promised to sing in the choir at the evensong service there as ofttimes as I can spare the time,” said Dalaber, rising and throwing on his gown.  “I have not seen Master Clarke these past two days.  I would tell him of the safe escape of Master Garret; for the twain are sincere friends, and belong both to the brotherhood, though they agree not in all things, and have diverse views how the church is to be made more pure—­”

“Peace, peace, good Anthony!” spoke Arthur, with a half laugh.  “Thou must have a care how thou dost talk rank heresy, and to whom.  Such words are safe enow with me; but they say that even walls have ears.”

“It is my weakness that I speak too freely,” answered Dalaber, who had already opened the door.  “But in sooth I trow we are safe here, for yonder chamber belongs to the monk Robert Ferrar, who—­But no matter.  I will say no more.  My tongue is something over fond of running away with me, when I am with friends.”

Evensong at St. Frideswyde’s was always a well-attended service.  Although it was now the chapel of Cardinal College, the old name still clung to it.  The cardinal had removed much of the former priory and chapel of St. Frideswyde to carry out the plans for his college; but though the collegiate buildings were called by his name, the chapel generally retained its older and more familiar title.  The daily services were better performed there than in any other college chapel; and many men, like Dalaber himself, possessed of good voices, sang in the choir as often as their other duties permitted them.