warrant to the constable.

Sir Oliver received this news from that other witness, the parson, who
himself had suffered such rudeness at Godolphin's hands, and who, man of
the Gospel and of peace though he was, entirely supported the Justice's
decision--or so he declared.

Sir Oliver thanked him, protesting that it was kind in him and in Master
Baine to take such a view, but for the rest avowing that he had had no
hand in the affair, however much appearances might point to him.

When, however, it came to his knowledge two days later that the whole
countryside was in a ferment against Master Baine as a consequence of
the attitude he had taken up, Sir Oliver summoned the parson and
straightway rode with him to the Justice's house at Truro, there to
afford certain evidence which he had withheld from Rosamund and Sir John
Killigrew.

"Master Baine," he said, when the three of them were closeted in that
gentleman's library, "I have heard of the just and gallant pronouncement
you have made, and I am come to thank you and to express my admiration
of your courage."

Master Baine bowed gravely. He was a man whom Nature had made grave.

"But since I would not that any evil consequences might attend your
action, I am come to lay proof before you that you have acted more
rightly even than you think, and that I am not the slayer."

"You are not?" ejaculated Master Baine in amazement.