“Not if a man’s character is at stake,” cried Master Peasegood.
“I’ll soon end this,” said the founder, as Gil quietly replaced his doublet and took his sword from Sir Mark’s hand. “Gil Carr, speak out like a man. Where is Abel Churr?”
“I do not know,” replied Gil, firmly.
“Had he some secret of yours?”
Gil paused for a moment, and his eyes encountered those of Mace gazing at him in a beseeching way, when a change seemed to come over him, and he replied frankly—
“Yes.”
“What was it?”
“A secret that I wished to keep.”
“How did he find it out?” said the founder.
“How do I know, sir? By creeping through the wood, and dogging my steps, I suppose.”