“Sure, this must be mine own signet ring,” he said, with a sinister smile, “for it hath mine own initials upon it—­A for Anthony, and D for Dunstan.”

“The robber!” ejaculated Freda hotly.  “What said Anthony to that?”

“He said naught.  He had other matters to think of than the loss of his ring.  But, in sooth, there was no time for more to be spoken, for at that moment up came the beadle and other servants of the commissary, desiring that Anthony Dalaber should be brought at once before him in Lincoln College; and forthwith he was taken away, and I could only just whisper to him as he passed me by that I would see you and tell you all that happened.”

Silence fell upon the little group as Arthur ended his narrative.  All hearts were heavy, and they were not made less so by his next words.

“And I fear me greatly that Dalaber is not the only one who is in peril in Oxford this day.  I fear me much that it will not be long before they lay hands upon Master Clarke.”

Dismay and sorrow were in all faces.  Dr. Langton looked intently at the speaker, as though to ask more, and Arthur answered the unspoken question.

“I think I have told you how that the cardinal has been informed that the very men he introduced into Oxford have been foremost in the spread of those doctrines which are begun to be called heresy, though not one word has Master Clarke ever spoken for which he cannot find confirmation in the words of Holy Writ and in the pure teachings of the primitive church.  But having heard this, the cardinal is much disturbed, and hath ordered a very close and strict investigation to be made.  I know not exactly yet what these words may mean to us; but at no moment should I be surprised to hear that Clarke and others of like mind with himself had been suspended from teaching, if not arrested and accused as heretics.”

“Oh, it is too much! it is too much!” cried Magdalen, whose face had turned deadly pale.  She was much agitated, and her wonted calm had deserted her.

Freda, who was standing at the window, suddenly exclaimed that Master Radley was coming hastily across the meadow path towards them, and some instinct seemed to warn them all that he was the bearer of heavy tidings.  They could not await his coming, but went downstairs and out into the garden, where they met him breathless with his speed.

“Master Clarke is taken!” he cried, emotion and haste making his words barely audible.  “He was warned last night of coming peril.  The place was full of rumours, and it was known that Garret had been back and had escaped again.  We counselled him to fly, but he refused.  This morning the proctors sent for him, and he hath not returned.  I am expecting a visit every moment to my chambers.  They may or may not find the books concealed there; but it is known that I have hidden Master Garret.  I shall not escape their malice.  For myself I care little; but for that saint upon earth, John Clarke—­oh, a church that can call him heretic and outcast must be corrupt to the very core!”