Topcliffe's property some day! And they found none of the
hiding-holes, which is good news. The rest of the party they let go free
again for the present.
"I have another piece of bad news, too--which is no more than what we
had looked for: that Mr. Simpson at the Assizes was condemned to death,
but has promised to go to church, so that his life is spared if he will
do so. He is still in the gaol, however, where I pray God that Mr.
Anthony may meet with him and bring him to a better mind; so that he
hath not yet denied our Lord, even though he hath promised to do so.
"May God comfort and console you, Mr. FitzHerbert, for this news of Mr.
Anthony that I send."
* * * * *
The letter ended with messages to the party, with instructions for their
way of return if they should come within the next week; and with the
explanation, given above, of the series of misfortunes by which any came
to be at Padley that night, and how it was that they did not attempt to
break out again.
* * * * *
The capture of Mr. Anthony was, indeed, one more blow to his father; but
Robin was astonished how cheerfully he bore it; and said as much when
they two were alone in the garden.
The grey old man smiled, while his eyelids twitched a little.
"They say that when a man is whipped he feels no more after awhile. The
former blows prepare him and dull his nerves for the later, which, I
take it, is part of God's mercy.
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