"Be not surprised, not alarmed, therefore, when to-morrow morning I serve the warrant with all due state and ceremony. Yet will I not attach his body until he shall have regained his strength if you, Sir John, will give me your word of honour that no attempt at escape be made on his behalf." "I give you my word, Mr. Sheriff," said Sir John, "and I count it an act of friendship on your part that you have thus given me warning." The Sheriff rose from his seat, advanced towards Sir John, and shook his hand heartily. "My good friend," said he, "would to God that I could do more for you! but keep a good heart, for you have many a friend both at Court and in the city." So saying, the kind-hearted Sheriff made his adieux and took his departure. -------------- Susan had borne up bravely during this brief interview; yet, when the Sheriff had gone, and she and Sir John were left to themselves, her fortitude gave way, and she began to sob gently. Sir John moved to her side and took her hand caressingly. "Is this the brave and trusty nurse," he said to her in a low voice, "of whom I was so proud to-day? "Oh, Susan, dear Susan, have faith in God; let us kneel together and commit the whole matter to His most gracious keeping! "Now go to rest, dear child," said Sir John, as they rose from their kneeling posture. "Presently, dear uncle, I will seek rest," replied Susan; "but I have work in the sick-room awaiting me, and I keep watch there the first half of the night." Then, bidding her uncle "Good-night," Susan lit a wax candle and quitted the library. -------------- For a full hour the Treasurer sat alone in deep thought. He resolved that on the morrow he would send a trusty messenger to the Hague, who should inform his brother of all that had passed, and the present position of affairs. How he longed for the presence of William—how valuable would his counsel be to him at this crisis! Yet it could not be, for it was known full well to those in power that William had aided the Vicar of Chiddingly to escape, that he had gone with him to Holland. He therefore lay under grave suspicion, and must remain an exile until happier days. At length, weary and worn, the Treasurer betook himself to rest. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ CHAPTER VI THE STAR CHAMBER The Star Chamber was a part of a range of buildings on the east side of Palace Yard at Westminster. Its peculiar name did not find its origin in any distinctive feature of the building, but rather from the fact that, by order of King Richard I, the "Starra," or Jewish Covenants, were deposited there. In the reign of Edward III large additions were made to the Palace at Westminster, including St. Stephen's Chapel, and a new council chamber henceforth to be known as the Court of the Star Chamber.