All this the travellers learned for the first time at Langley.

They had gone through into Staffordshire, as had been arranged, and there had moved about from house to house of Catholic friends without any trouble.  It was when at last they thought it safe to be moving homewards, and had arrived at Langley, that they found Marjorie’s letter awaiting them.  It was addressed to Mr. John FitzHerbert and was brought by Robin’s old servant, Dick Sampson.

“The assault was made,” wrote Marjorie, “according to the arrangement.  Mr. Columbell himself came with a score of men and surrounded the house very early, having set watchers all in place the evening before:  they had made certain they should catch the master and at least a priest or two.  But I have very heavy news, for all that; for there had come to the house after dark Mr. Anthony FitzHerbert, with two of his sisters, Mrs. Thomas FitzHerbert and Mr. Fenton himself, and they have carried the two gentlemen to the Derby gaol.  I have had no word from Mr. Anthony, but I hear that he said that he was glad that his father was not taken, and that his own taking he puts down to his brother’s account, as yourself, sir, also did.  The men did no great harm in Padley beyond breaking a panel or two:  they were too careful, I suppose, of what they think will be Mr. Topcliffe’s property some day!  And they found none of the hiding-holes, which is good news.  The rest of the party they let go free again for the present.

“I have another piece of bad news, too—­which is no more than what we had looked for:  that Mr. Simpson at the Assizes was condemned to death, but has promised to go to church, so that his life is spared if he will do so.  He is still in the gaol, however, where I pray God that Mr. Anthony may meet with him and bring him to a better mind; so that he hath not yet denied our Lord, even though he hath promised to do so.

“May God comfort and console you, Mr. FitzHerbert, for this news of Mr. Anthony that I send.”

* * * * *

The letter ended with messages to the party, with instructions for their way of return if they should come within the next week; and with the explanation, given above, of the series of misfortunes by which any came to be at Padley that night, and how it was that they did not attempt to break out again.

* * * * *

The capture of Mr. Anthony was, indeed, one more blow to his father; but Robin was astonished how cheerfully he bore it; and said as much when they two were alone in the garden.

The grey old man smiled, while his eyelids twitched a little.

“They say that when a man is whipped he feels no more after awhile.  The former blows prepare him and dull his nerves for the later, which, I take it, is part of God’s mercy.  Well, Mr. Alban, my father hath been in prison a great while now; my son Thomas is a traitor, and a sworn man of her Grace; I myself have been fined and persecuted till I have had to sell land to pay the fines with.  I have seen family after family fall from their faith and deny it.  So I take it that I feel the joy that I have a son who is ready to suffer for it, more than the pain I have in thinking on his sufferings.  The one may perhaps atone for the sins of the other, and yet help him to repentance.”