Neither did any man speak to him. Another man rode behind; and a dozen
or so went on foot. He could hear them talking together in low voices.
He was finally roused by his companion's speaking. He had noticed the
man look at him now and again strangely and not unkindly.
"Is it true that you are a son of Mr. Audrey, sir?"
He was on the point of saying "Yes," when his mind seemed to come back
to him as clear as an awakening from sleep. He understood that he must
not identify himself if he could help it. He had been told at Rheims
that silence was best in such matters.
"Mr. Audrey?" he said. "The magistrate?"
The man nodded. He did not seem an unkindly personage at all. Then he
smiled.
"Well, well," he said. "Less said--"
He broke off and began to whistle. Then he interrupted himself once
more.
"He was still in his fit," he said, "when we came away. Mistress Manners
was with him."
Intelligence was flowing back in Robin's brain like a tide. It seemed to
him that he perceived things with an extraordinary clearness and
rapidity. He understood he must show no dismay or horror of any kind; he
must carry himself easily and detachedly.
"In a fit, was he?"
The other nodded.
"I am arrested on his warrant, then? And on what charge?"
The man laughed outright.
"That's too good," he said. "Why, we, have a bundle of popery on the
horse behind! It was all in the hiding-hole!"
"I am supposed to be a priest, then?" said Robin, with admirable
disdain.
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