"But if the Catholic faith is the true one," she cried, "and if Charles Stuart is the lawful heir to the throne--then----" and her lips trembled piteously as if she were in sore straits. "I am no great hand at theology," I said; "but I know that Popery is lies, oppression, cruelty, ruin! We have had enough of it in England. If the Pretender lands and Hugh Boscawen is taken prisoner, it will mean brother fighting against brother, perhaps father fighting against son. The whole country will be in tears. We shall have the rack, the thumbscrew, the faggot back again. As for the Stuarts, they have proved themselves to be a race of scoundrels." I spoke warmly, for now that I was brought face to face with facts, I saw everything in a new light. The earnestness of my race rose up within me, and even then I felt ashamed of the useless life I had lived. "Are you such a Protestant, then?" she asked. "All my race have been for two hundred years," I cried; "and the reign of a Stuart will mean a deathblow for all who try to uphold liberty and truth." "But you will be in great danger." "I must go nevertheless. Guide me, Mistress Nancy, and that quickly." I pulled on my boots as I spoke, and buttoned my coat closely around me. "Yes, yes," she replied, eagerly. "But you will need arms. Wait; I will fetch you sword and pistols." In a few seconds she had returned. "This is a sword which my father wore," she said, her voice trembling. My heart leapt wildly. She could not scorn me, if with her own hands she had brought her father's sword. "I will use it for no unworthy cause, Mistress Nancy," I cried. "I will strike no blow for anything which your father would condemn." "Come, come," she said. "Adam showed me the way only a few days ago. Come! But you will be careful?" Again my heart seemed to burn within me. It may seem but little to the reader, indeed the matter was trivial, yet I rejoiced beyond measure to think that she was anxious for my welfare. I accompanied her along an underground passage, then we climbed some stone steps, and presently I stood by a low doorway. Taking a key from her pocket she unlocked the door, which opened into a dark shrubbery. "You see that path?" she whispered. "Yes." "It leads to the woods. I can tell you no more. But be careful; there are watchers all around, for the Killigrews are not yet gone. God be with you!" "Good-bye, Mistress Nancy." "No, only good-morning." "And you will be careful, Mistress Nancy. Do not let them see you. If I did not think you were safe I know not if I could go--even now. But when I may, I will come back, I will serve you with my whole heart." "I am safe, go--but be careful. Good-morning. When you return come to this door and give three knocks." I rushed up the path she had pointed out, and heard the door close behind me as I went. I had not gone far, however, before I saw a dark form moving among the trees. "Who goes there?" said a voice. I made no reply, but rushed on.