* * * * *
"The first question," read the voice slowly, "is, Whether you have said mass in other places beside Padley and the manor at Booth's Edge. We know that you must have done so; but we must have the names of the places, and of the parties present, so far as you can remember them.
"The second question is, the names of all those other priests with whom you have spoken in England, since you came from Rheims; and the names of all other students, not yet priests, or scarcely, whom you knew at Rheims, and who are for England.
"The third question is, the names of all those whom you know to be friends of Mr. John FitzHerbert, Mr. Bassett and Mr. Fenton—not being priests; but Papists.
"These three questions will do as a beginning. When you have answered these, there is a number more. Now, sir."
The last two words were rapped out sharply. Robin opened his eyes.
"As to the first two questions," he whispered. "These assume that I am a priest myself. Yet that is what you, have to prove against me. The third question concerns … concerns my loyalty to my friends. But I will tell you—"
"Yes?" (The voice was sharp and eager.)
"I will tell you the names of two friends of each of those gentlemen you have named."
A pen suddenly scratched on paper. He could not see who held it.