It was just after this that I heard something which set me thinking. Two gaolers were outside my door, and I heard them talking.
"Young Master Rashcliffe is better, eh?"
"Ay, he is better. I am told he is to have more liberty."
"What, mix with the other prisoners?"
"Ah, why the change? Know you?"
"No, I know not. For my part I am glad. It was fair sad to see him. He was mad at one time."
"Ay, that he was. Well, the prisoners be treated more harshly now than in Old Nol's time."
"Ay, and there are far more of them too. Have you heard about the king's oath?"
"Nay, I have heard of no oath save that he is going to stamp out the Dissenters."
"Nay, it hath nought to do with that, although the place is full enough of them. It is about the black box."