guilty silence, but rid himself also of the companionship of
this ruffianly Sir Crispin, to whom no doubt a hempen justice
would be meted.

Meanwhile, he sat on and left his companion's occasional
sallies unanswered. In the street men stirred and lanthorns
gleamed fitfully, whilst ever and anon a face surmounted by a
morion would be pressed against the leaded panes of the window.

Thus an hour wore itself out during which poor Hogan sat above,
alone with his anxiety and unsavoury thoughts.




CHAPTER II

ARCADES AMBO


Towards midnight at last Sir Crispin flung down his cards and
rose. It was close upon an hour and a half since Hogan's
advent. In the streets the sounds had gradually died down, and
peace seemed to reign again in Penrith. Yet was Sir Crispin
cautious - for to be cautious and mistrustful of appearances
was the lesson life had taught him.

"Master Stewart," said he, "it grows late, and I doubt me you
would be abed. Give you good night!"