With a smile, Jack kissed his sister once more and walked back to his place. His bearing evidently made a strong impression on the prior, who whispered something to his fellow inquisitors, to which Father Barnaby replied with a frown. As soon as Anne was removed, Jack was again questioned as to the person from whom he had received his books. He resolutely declined to answer. "Have a care," said Father Barnaby. "There are means for wrenching the truth from unwilling witnesses. We have no time to waste." "Let them bring hither the old man," said the prior. "He will perhaps be more complying this morning. My lad, if you would save yourself and your uncle from sharp pain, you must answer freely. Did you receive your book from Sir William Leavett?" "No," answered Jack decidedly. "So far I can satisfy you, but I shall answer no more questions." There was a short pause, and the inquisitors seemed to be busily consulting together, while the messengers were despatched for the old shepherd. Brother Joseph presently returned with a startled and awe-struck expression of countenance. "Well! Why have you not brought him?" demanded Father Barnaby sharply. "Please, your reverence," stammered the subordinate, "there is no—no use—the man is dead!" "Dead!" exclaimed the two priests together. "Yes, your reverence. He lies on the floor of his cell, his hands clasped and his limbs composed as if he had died in sleep. On the wall at his head these words are written: 'I know in whom I have believed.'" "Thank God!" exclaimed Jack fervently. "He hath won his eternal crown of glory, and hath escaped the malice of his enemies! The Lord be praised, who hath not delivered him over as a prey to their teeth. The snare is broken, and he is delivered. Thank God!" "He hath escaped an earthly only to sink into an eternal fire," said Father Barnaby sternly; "but we have you still. I am willing to show mercy, and I promise you your life shall be spared, if you will recant your errors, and confess the names of your seducers. Otherwise, in three hours' time, namely at noon, you shall burn at the pile prepared for your uncle." "I am in God's power, not in yours," returned Jack steadily. "He can yet deliver me out of your hands, but if not, know that I will not bow down to your idols nor deny His truth." At this moment there was a knock at the chamber door, and a monk entered. "What now, brother?" asked the prior. "Here is the bishop's sumner and two other men, who have ridden express with a letter from the bishop to Father Barnaby," returned the brother. "He will deliver it into the reverend father's own hands."