"'Tis not my fault that these two have been let into the secret," said Hal, indicating the physician and Anthony.
"And it shall not be to Sir Valentine's disadvantage, sir, speaking for myself," said the physician.
"His honor knows whether I may be trusted," said Anthony, swelling with haughty consciousness of his fidelity, as if to outdo the physician, toward whom his looks were always oblique and of a covert antipathy.
"I know ye are my friends," said Sir Valentine. "I could have spoken for you. But what is to be done? 'Tis true I cannot move. Think it no whimsy of the doctor's, Harry. Blessed Mary, send heaven to my help! Think not, Harry, 'tis for myself I moan. Thou knowest not how my matters stand abroad. There are those awaiting me in France, dependent on me—"
"And to France we must send you safe, Sir Valentine!" said Harry. "You could not be supported on horseback, I suppose?"
The physician looked amazed at the very suggestion, and Sir Valentine smiled gloomily and shook his head.
"Or in a coach, an one were to be had?" Hal went on.
"'Twould be the death of him in two miles," said the physician. "Moreover, where is a coach to be got in time?"
"Is there no hiding-place near, to which you might be carried?" asked Hal, of Sir Valentine, knowing how most Catholic houses were provided in those days.