learning on the way that a news letter had been received stating that
the King was with the Scottish army at Newcastle, and that it was
expected that on receiving their arrears of pay, the Scots would
surrender him to the Parliament, a proceeding which the folk in the
market-place approved or disapproved according to their politics.

Mrs. Rivett's house stood a little apart from the town, with a court
and gates opening on the road over the down; and just as eleven
strokes were chiming from the town clock below, a somewhat bent,
silver-haired man, in a square cap and black gown, leaning on a
stick, came out of it. Stead, after the respectful fashion of his
earlier days, put his knee to the ground, doffed his steeple-crowned
hat and craved a blessing, both he and the Doctor casting a quick
glance round so as to be sure there was no one in sight.

Dr. Eales gave it earnestly, as one to whom it was a rare joy to find
a country youth thus demanding it, and as he looked at the honest
face he said:

"You are mine hostess' good purveyor, methinks, to whom I have often
owed a wholesome meal."

"Steadfast Kenton, so please your reverence. There is a secret
matter on which I would fain have your counsel, and Mistress
Lightfoot thought I might speak to you here with greater safety."

"She did well. Speak on, my good boy, if we walk up and down here we
shall be private. It does my heart good to commune with a faithful
young son of the Church."