In all this there is no definite statement of what was the order taken at Doncaster, but the general impression which the narrative gives is that the monks were to be turned out and the farmers restored. The third witness in the matter is John Dakyn, and he makes a definite statement, the only definite statement, be it observed, that exists. Dakyn, it will be remembered, was one of the ecclesiastics at Pontefract. He was an elderly, cautious man, very anxious to avoid committing himself. During the conference William Collins, the bailiff and one of the representatives of Kendal[87], came to him and asked his advice concerning the monastery of Cartmell. All the monks had been restored by the commons, but the prior would not go back[88]. Dakyn promised to write to him on the subject. On Saturday 9 December, after the conference was over, Dakyn left Pontefract for York. He did not write to Cartmell as yet, because he wished to have definite information as to what had been determined. As he had been at Pontefract all the time, he might have been expected to know, but probably he had had no opportunity of learning the details from any of the leaders and he wanted to be quite certain. Collins came to him at York for the letter, and Dakyn, having no real doubt on the subject, wrote on Sunday 10 December to the priors of Cartmell and Conishead[89] that by the King’s consent all religious persons should re-enter suppressed houses again till further direction was taken by parliament[90]. Collins sent these letters to the monasteries[91]. Dakyn went home to his own parish of Kirkby Ravensworth[92]. Within a week of his arrival Robert Bowes and Sir Henry Gascoigne requested him to go and explain to the canons of St Agatha’s at Richmond that they must “be put forth by the King’s authority and taken in again by the same authority until the next parliament.” The prior agreed and it was done. “This manner of putting out and taking in again was commonly spoken of to be true, after our return from Pontefract, in all those parts as well with gentlemen as others.”[93] Robert Bowes was one of the principal men at Doncaster, and must certainly have known all that passed, and Dakyn’s evidence shows decisively that he believed that the monasteries were to make a formal surrender, but were to be allowed to stand.