"He requires no urging," replied Dr. Deacon. "But I have told you that I will not ask a pardon for them--nor would they accept it if clogged with certain conditions." Atherton said no more, for he felt that the doctor was immovable. Shortly afterwards Dr. Deacon arose and begged Atherton to excuse him, as he usually devoted an hour in each day to a religious work on which he was engaged. Before leaving the room, he placed a book on the table near Atherton, and on opening it the young man found it was a prayer-book published some years previously by the doctor, entitled, "_A Complete Collection of Devotions, both public and private, taken from the Apostolic Constitution, Liturgies, and Common Prayers of the Catholic Church_." Atherton was familiar with the volume, as he had occasionally attended Dr. Deacon's church, but being now in a serious frame of mind, some of the prayers to which he turned and recited aloud produced a deeper effect upon him than heretofore. When Dr. Deacon returned and found him thus occupied he expressed great satisfaction, and joined him in his devotions. Before concluding, the doctor dropped on his knees, and offered up an earnest supplication for the restoration to health of his son Robert, and for the deliverance of his two other sons. CHAPTER XII. A SAD COMMUNICATION IS MADE TO DR. DEACON. Half an hour later Dr. Byrom and his daughter arrived. They came on horseback--one steed sufficing for both--Beppy being seated behind her father on a pillion, as was then the pleasant custom. Dr. Byrom put up his horse at the little village inn, and then walked with his daughter to the cottage. Dr. Deacon met them at the door, and while greeting them kindly, informed them in a whisper whom they would find within. Both were rejoiced to see Atherton, and congratulated him on his escape from arrest. "I saw Mr. Fowden this morning at Manchester," said Dr. Byrom. "He had just returned from Rawcliffe Hall. I laughed very heartily when he told me how cleverly you had tricked him; but I really believe he had no desire to arrest you, and was glad when you got off. The horse you appropriated for the nonce was brought back from Bucklow Hill, and is now in its owner's possession, but I think you carried your scruples to the extreme, as you have given him a clue to the route you have taken, and the constables have been sent on both to Northwich and Macclesfield." "I don't think they will look for me here," observed Atherton. "No, Mr. Fowden's notion is that you will make for London, and I should have thought so too, had you not sent back the horse; but now you had better keep quiet for a few days." "Why not come to us?" cried Beppy. "You will be in the very midst of your enemies, it is true, but no search will be made for you. No one would think you could be there." "But some one would be sure to discover me. No; I am infinitely obliged, but I could not do it--I should only involve Dr. Byrom in trouble."