I kept indoors altogether, fearing to be questioned by the neighbours;
but on a certain afternoon there came a knocking, and when I went to
open Tom Windham walked in.
I gave a cry of joy, because the sight of an old friend was pleasant in
that strange place, and it was not immediately that I could recover
myself and ask what his business was.
"I came to seek you," he said, "for I had occasion to leave my own part
of the country for the present."
[Illustration: "LOOKING AT HIM, I SAW THAT HE WAS HAGGARD AND STRANGE."]
Looking at him, I saw that he was haggard and strange, and had not the
confidence that was his formerly.
"There has been a rising there," I answered him, "and trouble among
many?"
"Much trouble," he said with gloom. Then he fell to telling me how such
of the neighbours were dead, and others were in hiding, while there were
still more that went about their work in fear for their lives, lest any
should inform against them.
"Your father's brother was taken on Sedgemoor with a pike in his hand,"
he added, "and your father has been busy ever since, raising money to
buy his pardon--for they say that money can do much."
"That is ill news, indeed," I said.
"I have come to London on my own affairs, and been to seek you at your
cousin Alstree's. When I learnt of the trouble that had befallen I
followed you to this house, and right glad I am that you are safe with
so good a woman as Mrs.
Pages:
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134