"Why told you me not this before?" he demanded.
"Because it would have broke your sleep, and for another reason. And now, Philip, will you ruin yourself and me, or will you remain?"
"Good Sam," said Philip, extending his hand and raising the other up, "let thou and I be sworn friends. There is some mystery behind this matter which it behooves us both to have cleared up. Answer me a question. Did Master Spikeman know of that paper?"
"Surely he did. He inquired of me concerning it."
"Umph!" grunted Philip. "Now tell again, what is that other reason why thou didst say nothing of the paper to me before?"
"Answer for answer; tickle me and I will scratch thee. I will answer that question if you will me another."
"There is reason in thee. I promise."
"Because Master Spikeman commanded me not."
"And canst tell why he wanted to speak to me alone?"
"To get to the bottom of sundry plots wherewith you were acquainted, and which you had partly confessed. And now it is my turn to ask questions, so tell me how gattest thou rid of the irons?"