“He would not be likely otherwise to send for me--his time was valuable.” “Thou evadest the question.” “I do not comprehend it.” “What was the _special_ object on this occasion?” Cuthbert felt that the point was reached at last. “I am not at liberty to disclose.” “That is the matter at issue between us, but we hope thou wilt not drive us to extremities, as we would fain spare thee, compassionating thy youth. In plain words, did he not disclose to thee the mystery of a secret chamber, where many documents of importance to the King be concealed, and much treasure of the Abbey hidden from the royal owner, to whom the nation hath given the property of the monasteries.” “That is the very question I must decline to answer. If I know anything it is not my secret, but one committed to me by the dead, under awful sanctions.” “A good citizen knows no higher sanction than the welfare of his country, and our religion bids us honour and obey the King.” “In all things lawful, but this is not lawful to me.” “I grieve over thee, poor youth,” said the governor, “and over the measures I _must_ take; but the orders of council are explicit, are they not, Sir John?” “They are, there is no alternative.” “Gaoler, draw back the curtains.” The curtains separated in the middle, and were drawn back to the wall--the mystery of the arched recess was laid bare. There stood two brawny men, beside a brazier of glowing coals, wherein were two pincers heated to a red heat; hard by was the rack, with its cords and pulleys, ready for working; manacles and chains hung on the wall; scourges and thumb-screws; there was the huge iron band, with a hinge in the middle and a padlock in front, which was placed around the bodies of wretches condemned to the stake; all the implements known to the English torture chamber, happily so seldom used, were there; _seldom_, we say, but comparatively _often_ in this reign of terror. This _coup d’oeil_ was intended to frighten, there was no intention to bring the full resources of the chamber into very active use; the thumb-screw alone they thought would be sufficient for a young beginner. “Thou seest thy fate--be wise in time. Believe me, my poor youth, thou wilt not be able to endure what is in store for thee if thou continuest in obstinacy; be wise, therefore, and yield with grace what thou canst not retain, and our best efforts shall be used for thy free pardon for all laid to thy charge, only remember we cannot allow a divided allegiance in this realm--it were death to us; thou must obey the King, or die the death; thou hast read the ancients:-- “‘Cuncta prius tentanda, sed immedicabile vulnus Ense recidendum est, ne pars sincera trahatur.’”[38] “My lord,” said the poor lad, “I know I am weak, but I must do my best. You will do your duty, and I will try to bear, which is mine.” “Apply the thumb-screw.”