"There is no need, John. Herman Bengel is outside, waiting for me," the girl said, her pretty face flushing. "To the door, then, for the stairs are awkward," said Gropper, with a smile, for he had known the girl from her babyhood, and they moved down the stairs together. They had not gone more than a few steps when they halted, for a man was ascending, carrying a candle which he shielded with his hand, and the light falling on his face showed it plainly. A moment later he had passed into a room on the landing below. Margaret heard Gropper gasp, and it sounded so much like a suppressed cry of dismay that she turned involuntarily, but could not see the man's face at all, not even his form in the darkness. "What does that man want here?" Gropper muttered, putting out his hand, and holding the girl by the sleeve to stay her from going farther. "Who is he?" she asked, in a startled whisper, for something was surely wrong, or a strong-minded man like Gropper would not be so put out. "Who is he?" the answer followed, and the words were whispered in her ear, in trembling tones. "He is that Argus-eyed heresy hunter who goes by the name of Cochlaeus. Surely, mistress, you have heard of him? He is a Deacon of the Church of the Blessed Virgin in Frankfort, and when he ever comes to our city there is trouble for some poor soul who has dared to have anything to do with the Reformation doctrines." Margaret had not lost a word, and she shivered, for the man's reputation was wide, and thrilled so many with a sense of dread. They moved on almost unwillingly, going down the stairs with stealth, afraid lest they should attract the attention of this man who had disappeared into the room below. They had to pass the door, and to their alarm it stood slightly ajar. Neither of them had any wish to play the part of eavesdropper, and were passing on, but as they moved they caught sight of a man who sat at a table in the room, as well as of the other who was in the act of blowing out the candle. But what they heard held them both spellbound. Cochlaeus either did not notice that the door was partly open, or he was careless as to whether his words were overheard. "Buchsel," he exclaimed, in a jubilant tone, "I have made a discovery--a wonderful one!" "Ha!" was the response of the man who was gazing at Cochlaeus questioningly, but in a tone of perplexity. It was plain that he was wondering why the Deacon of the Blessed Virgin was in the city, and coming to his room of all others. "Yes. I have made a discovery! That accursed English heretic--that limb of Satan!--William Tyndale--is here, within the city walls, and I can give a broad guess as to what he is doing. You remember how he started the translation of the Bible in England?" He paused, but Buchsel's only response was a nod, for he was waiting for Cochlaeus to tell his story, which he did, not knowing of those two who were standing outside and heard every word with growing dismay.