Part Four, Chapter IV Summary

Francis had been summoned to trial twice before but had evaded the law. He now appeared before the court to stand trial for his accused crime of treason. To expedite the process, the parliament held an assize, where they gathered and examined evidence prior to the trial date. At the assize, Francis seemed to talk in circles and untangle the mess in which he found himself. He was able to cast enough doubt to make himself less guilty in the eyes of the court. Some charges were dismissed but the treason charged remained. The cure for the treason charge was Samuel Harvey's confession. Will wanted to help Francis and found his opportunity when he learned that Samuel Harvey's cousin, Sir Thomas Palmer, was nearby. After a card game that lasted all day and extended into the evening...