Calmed and soothed by prayer, for others as much as for himself, Dalaber rose, and carefully wrapped together Garret’s gown and hood with the monk’s book, and hid them carefully beneath his bedding, that none entering the room might see them; and then he robed himself and started forth to warn the brethren of what had happened, for were there any who desired to flee the coming tempest, they must needs lose no more time.

He walked rapidly towards the city gate, when he was met by Arthur Cole, who came hastily towards him, a look of great anxiety and vexation on his face.  With him was a student of his own college, Eden by name, one of the little band of brethren; and as soon as he saw Dalaber he quickly ran forward.

“We are undone!” he exclaimed.  “They have taken Master Garret.  He is in prison in Lincoln College.  He is to be strictly examined after evensong today.  If he refuse to give up the names of all to whom he has sold his books, and who have listened to his teachings, they declare he will be sent to the Tower to be examined by the rack.”

The young lad was quivering all over in excitement and fear.  Arthur, coming up at the same minute, spoke almost fiercely.

“What possessed the man to return to Oxford, once he was safe away?  It seems he came back after dark last night, and was seen and followed and reported on.  They found him at midnight, and will use sharp methods with him.  I have no love for Garret and his firebrand doctrines; but he will be the means of betraying the whole brotherhood, an he be not steadfast; and who knows how such an one will meet the trials which will beset him?  If he should betray thee, Dalaber, or our good master and friend John Clarke, I should find it hard indeed to forgive him.”

“He will betray none—­” began Dalaber; but Cole broke in with a scornful snort.

“I would not answer for him.  He is a strange mixture of strength and weakness, devotion, constancy, and nervous fear.  He—­”

“He will not betray any, for he is no longer a prisoner.  He has escaped from the commissary’s house.  He is miles away from Oxford by this time.  Heaven send he quickly escape beyond the seas!”

Dalaber then related what had passed during the afternoon; and Eden, with great joy, volunteered to take the news to some of the brethren, who were suffering great anxiety on his behalf.  As for Dalaber himself, he desired above all things to see and speak with Clarke; and Arthur being of the same mind, they proceeded arm in arm along the street in the direction of St. Frideswyde, where evensong would soon be in course of proceeding.

“It seems to me, friend Anthony,” spoke Arthur gravely, “that if Master Garret has escaped, you are the person most in peril now.  If that young man betrays that he fled to you in your lodging in Gloucester College, they will not be long in calling upon you to answer to them for it.”

“I trust I shall be ready to do so,” answered Dalaber, with grave steadfastness.