“He was trying to make his escape when his design upon the queen became known. He sprang upon me when I was unaware, seized the bridle of my horse, and demanded that I give the animal to him.”

“Which you refused?”

“Which I refused to do, sir.”

“Did he recognize you?”

“Yes.”

“And you him?”

“Yes, Sir Francis.”

“Did you know that he was trying to escape from arrest?”

“Yes;” answered Francis again.

“Then why did you not let him have the horse?” queried Walsingham.