"He made another movement, the faint beginning of a wriggle, as he thought that he might slip pass me like an eel. My hands approached his throat and he desisted. I went on—
"'It is a very simple thing that I require. In the first place, you will change clothes with me. If you are willing to do this, do not speak, but nod your head.'
"He stood there, pale and motionless, trying to find the courage to defy me.
"'My father,' I said, 'I can only give you while I count ten. One—two—three—four—five—six—seven—eight—nine——'
"He nodded.
"Undress, then,' I said. 'And mark me, if there is any noise, or any sign of hesitation——'
"This time he fully understood that I was in earnest and obeyed me. I hurried him, for there was always the chance that the gaoler might come back and interrupt us. In five minutes—or perhaps in less—the priest had put on my uniform, and I was attired in the black garb of the Dominican. But there was still one more little formality to be gone through.
"'My father,' I said, 'I might make you swear on your crucifix that you will stay here quietly until someone comes and finds you.'
"From the shifty look in his eyes I perceived that this was the very thing that he would be glad for me to do.
"'But,' I continued, 'the temptation to break your oath would be very terrible. It will be kinder not to expose you to it. So I shall gag you.'