Sir William’s frame of mind was not easily mistaken and Raby’s cheek flushed at the doubt implied, even though he saw only faith and trust in the eyes of Betty Carew.
“Unhappily, sir,” he said stiffly, “I can make no explanation; could I do so, doubtless I should not be in the Tower.”
Carew bent his brows. “My lord privy seal tells me that you were chiefly condemned by the packet you gave him,” he said slowly; “therefore it would seem that you must hold some key to the matter. What was this packet? Wherefore did you give it to Cromwell?”
“The packet was yours, Sir William,” Raby replied sharply, “therefore ’tis you who should unfold the story.”
Carew’s face flushed red with indignation.
“My Lord Raby,” he said coldly, “that is a child’s tale, but not for the ears of men. My papers were innocent of any offence to king or council; they pertained entirely to affairs in Devon, and were writ at Cromwell’s request.”
“Sir,” replied the prisoner, sternly, “it hath been a mystery to me, and, albeit I would not have spoken of it, for fear of offence to you, now I will even speak my mind. The packet that you gave me was cherished with care, and when I was apprehended, was yet in the breast of my doublet. My lord privy seal had received me kindly, and used me with the justice I had a right to expect. Being willing to serve you, even in my own misfortune, I handed your packet to him. Scarce had he opened it before his face changed, and after reading half its contents, he sent me to the Tower. Had I been minded to think ill of you, Sir William, surely I had cause enough, but I strove to judge the matter with charity. In return, you cast suspicion on my motives and charge me with falsehood in regard to this same evil packet. Sir, it tries my patience to its limit.”
“’Tis sheer nonsense to lay the matter to my papers,” retorted Carew, irritably; “know I not what was writ there? Am I a fool? If all your conduct was as innocent, there is little doubt you would be a freeman.”
“I am a prisoner,” Raby replied proudly, “and mayhap it pleasures you to cast aspersions on a man who may not defend himself, but ’tis unworthy of you.”
At this, Betty interfered.