Robin said nothing to commit himself, for he did not know on which side the man ranged himself; but he drew him aside after dinner, and asked whether it might be possible to get a sight of the Queen.
"I am riding to Derby," he said, "with my man. But if to turn aside at Chartley would give us a chance of seeing her, I would do so. A queen in captivity is worth seeing. And I can see you are a man of influence."
The clerk looked at him shrewdly; he was a man plainly in love with his own importance, and the priest's last words were balm to him.
"It might be done," he said. "I do not know."
Robin saw the impression he had made, and that the butter could not be too thick.
"I am sure you could do it for me," he said, "if any man could. But I understand that a man of your position may be unwilling—"
The clerk solemnly laid a hand on the priest's arm.
"Well, I will tell you this," he said. "Get speech with Mr. Bourgoign, her apothecary. He alone has access to her now, besides her own women. It might be he could put you in some private place to see her go by."
This was not much use, thought Robin; but, at least, it gave him something to begin at: so he thanked the clerk solemnly and reverentially, and was rewarded by another discreet pat on the arm.
* * * * *