Chapter Eight.
A Storm at Sea.
The shades of evening had settled down over the great City, the only lights being those of the lanterns of the costermongers’ stalls scattered up and down in various directions, and the occasional glare of a link, as the citizens went to and fro from each other’s houses. Another knock was heard at Master Gresham’s door.
“A stranger desires to see you, sir,” said the porter. “He declines giving his name, but he says you know him, and will, he is sure, greet him kindly.”
“What is he like?” asked Master Gresham. “I cannot admit strangers. Beg him to write his name on this tablet; but do not tell him that I am within till I hear who he is.”
This caution, as may be supposed, was not unnecessary in those dangerous times; for though Master Gresham had had the assurance of Sir John Leigh that he need no longer apprehend danger, he yet knew the treachery of which Bishop Gardiner was capable, and that, did he wish to get rid of him, he would not hesitate to do so, in spite of the support he might be receiving from other friends. The tablet was soon brought back.
“Admit him—admit him instantly,” said Master Gresham, as soon as he saw the name; and, rising from his seat as the stranger entered, he stretched forth both his hands.
“My dear friend, Master John Foxe, I greet you heartily,” he said, leading him to a chair. “My wife, here is one whom I have known from my youth upwards—a true and bold champion of the faith. And what is your pleasure, Master Foxe? it would be mine to aid you if I had the power.”
“In troth, Master Gresham, it is to advise me how I can best leave this fair kingdom of England, and to help me in so doing,” answered the visitor. “I had hoped that a humble man like me might have escaped persecution, but I have received notice that if I remain my life will have to pay the penalty; so I am about to put the seas between myself and our sovereign Lady and her fire-loving Bishop; for although I am ready to burn, if called on to witness to the faith, yet I see no reason why I should not fly from danger, if by so doing I may live to bear a faithful testimony in after years.”