"But you have some writing, no doubt—"
"I have none," said Robin. "I have my word only."
There was a pause.
"Was the message private?"
"Private only to her Grace's enemies. I will tell you the substance of it now, if you will."
The old man, without answering, steered his companion nearer to the wall; then he relinquished the supporting arm, and leaned himself against the stones, fixing his eyes full upon the priest, and searching, as it seemed, every feature of his face and every detail of his dress.
"Was the message important, sir?"
"Important only to those who value love and fidelity."
"I could deliver it myself, then?"
"Certainly, sir. If you will give me your word to deliver it to her Grace, as I deliver it to you, and to none else, I will ride on and trouble you no more."