"I have not one word against him," said the priest. "But neither had I against Thomas FitzHerbert; and you know what has befallen—"
Anthony snorted with disdain.
"Put your finger through another hole," he said.
"Well—I like not the comfort that Mr. Secretary Walsingham has given you. You told me a while ago that Ballard was on the eve of going to France. Now Walsingham is no fool. I would to God he were! He has laid enough of our men by the heels already."
"By God!" cried Anthony, roused again. "I would not willingly call you a fool either, my man! But do you not understand that Walsingham believes me as loyal as himself? Here have I been at court for the last year, bowing before her Grace, and never a word said to me on my religion. And here is Walsingham has bidden me to lodge in his house, in the midst of all his spider's webs. Do you think he would do that if—"
"I think he might have done so," said Robin slowly.
Anthony sprang to his feet.
"My Robin," he said, "you were right enough when you said you would not join with us. You were not made for this work. You would see an enemy in your own father—"
He stopped confounded.
Robin smiled drearily.