"You can trust me, can't you?" she whispered. "Yes, yes!" I answered. "I will obey you to the very letter." "Mind, make no sound. Do not move." "Very well. Are you not coming with me?" "No. Walk four paces into the apartment. Make no sound." I did as she commanded me; then I heard the door close and I was left in perfect darkness. I waited minute after minute in silence, wondering what she meant by such strange conduct. Under other circumstances I should have tried to get a light, and have examined the room in which she had left me; but I had given my promise, and I would abide by it. Besides, was I not doing this to serve her? I called to mind the rapping I had heard while we had been in the other room; that was doubtless a signal between her and Adam. How long I stayed there I know not. I was like one stunned by a heavy blow; my mind was bewildered--everything was as confused as a dream. Sometimes I thought I _was_ dreaming. Presently I heard a sound of approaching footsteps. Several people seemed to be coming straight to the spot where I sat. Had Mistress Nancy been mistaken? That she had in any way betrayed me was not to be considered. I saw no light, but I could hear footsteps and voices plainly. A few seconds later, it seemed to me that people were so near that I had need only to stretch out my hand in order to touch them. All the same this could not have been. No one had entered the apartment, of that I was sure. "Now then we can get to business." It was old Colman Killigrew who spoke, and his voice sounded strangely near. He might be standing close to my ear. "We have need, and that quickly." I gave a start. The voice was Uncle Anthony's, and he spoke as one having authority. Instinctively I stretched out my hands, but I touched nothing. Why were these men's voices so plain? "How many swords can you command?" asked Otho Killigrew. "In twenty-four hours, a thousand," replied Uncle Anthony. "And Hugh Boscawen hath five thousand," was old Colman Killigrew's rejoinder. "Yes, but where be they? Here, there, everywhere. He hath gone about this work like a fool. No method--no order. Besides he is ignorant of what we know. To-night is Wednesday. To-morrow night at this time Charles lands at Veryan Bay. We must meet him with a thousand men. Then must we go silently to Tregothnan, and make Boscawen prisoner. When the true king lands, and Boscawen appeareth not, the very men who would have fought against us will be for us. Besides, is not the man John Wesley a papist? True, I have not seen him, but rumour hath it that his followers long for the return of a Catholic king." "You depend too much on rumour, Father Anthony," said Otho moodily. "What say you?"