.."
He was very near to Robin now, still, with a critical air pushing the
herbs this way and that, selecting one now and again.
"Have you anything to say to me, sir? Do not speak loud. The fellow that
conducted me from the castle is drinking ale in the house behind. He did
not know of this door on the side.... Have you anything to say?"
"Yes," said Robin.
"What is it?"
"Two things. The first is that I think one of the fellows in the inn is
doubtful of me. Merton tells me he has asked a great number of questions
about me. What had I best do?"
"Who is he?"
"He is a servant of my lord Shrewsbury's who is in the neighbourhood."
The doctor was silent.
"Am I in danger?" asked the priest quietly. "Shall I endanger her
Grace?"
"You cannot endanger her Grace. She is near her end in any case. But
for yourself--"
"Yes."
"You are endangering yourself every instant by remaining," said the
doctor dryly.
"The second matter--" began Robin.
"But what of yourself--"
"Myself must be endangered," said Robin softly. "The second matter is
whether you cannot get me near her Grace in the event of her execution.
I could at least give her absolution _sub conditione_."
Mr. Bourgoign shot a glance at him which he could not interpret.
"Sir," he said; "God will reward you.... As regards the second matter it
will be exceedingly difficult. If it is to be in the open court, I may
perhaps contrive it. If it is to be in the hall, none but known persons
would be admitted.
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