Master Peasegood sat gazing at his friend for a while, and then exclaimed—
“The news I gave you does not seem to have much effect.”
“What news?”
“That thou art a papist emissary, and come to purchase powder for a new plot.”
“Heaven grant that such a bloody and atrocious crime be not again upon the way. It makes me shudder to think that men could have such ideas, and say that they are in the cause of the Church.”
Father Brisdone spoke excitedly, and his pale face flushed as he rose and paced the room. “Oh, brother, we live in bitter times when men can think a good and gracious God could smile down upon such crimes.”
“Ah,” said Master Peasegood, re-lighting his little pipe, “you are a bad Catholic, and I no longer wonder that thou art left here by thy party.”
Father Brisdone looked back on him, and smiled.
“The captain has sailed,” said Master Peasegood.
“Yes; he asked me to keep a protecting eye over our child.”