"But tardily," I replied. "Cornish folks love not the thought of a German wearing the crown and spending our money. Moreover, the Catholic feeling is strong." "Say you so?" he queried, fixing his eyes on me. "What indications be there?" "It is fully believed that Master John Wesley is a good Catholic and that he is labouring in the interest of the Catholic Church, having authority from the Pope; and everywhere he is gaining followers, everywhere people be forsaking the parish churches." He nodded his head gravely. "It is rumoured that young Charles is planning to get to England even now," I continued. "If he but leads an army, the people will, if they have encouragement and a leader, flock to his standard." "What steps have you taken in the neighbourhood of Falmouth?" he asked. "I have simply spoken with the people. I am but poor. I am the only representative of a small branch of my family. What the cause needs is an old and well-known name. We want a man who can place himself at the head of five hundred good swords--one who can gain the confidence of the country." "Can you name the man?" he asked, keeping his eyes on me. "Colman Killigrew," I replied boldly. "Is my name known so far away from here?" "Else why should I come here?" was my response. After this he asked me many questions about the Penryns, which I answered readily, for I knew them intimately. "You heard of me; and hearing that young Charles was coming to claim his own, you thought----" "That the hope of the country lay in you." "What force could you raise in your part of the country, if the need for men should arise?" I answered him vaguely. "It is well you came, Roger Penryn," he said, after he had asked me many questions. "The rumour you have heard concerning young Charles is true. He will land in Scotland; and there is no doubt that the Highlanders will flock to his standard. He will then march southwards, and there is but little doubt but he will have a great following. There will be much opposition too, for many people comprehend not the glories of the Catholic faith. He will need every good sword he can command; hence the need for the faithful to be ready." I nodded my head, but spoke not, for I was already tired of playing my part. "We will work quietly," continued old Colman Killigrew. "While Hugh Boscawen is publicly gathering his men, you and others will have to work in the dark. But no time must be lost. Now that we understand each other, you must begin at once to gather the defenders of the faith and be ready for action. Not that we would be discourteous," he added quickly; "you must stay with me at least another day." "It is well," I replied; "you are well situated here. This should be a stronghold in time of trouble."