answers to these questions you will go back to your work and never, I trust, enter this place again.”
“Ask me,” pleaded the jailor. “Ask me now.”
“You are ready?”
“Aye, sir.”
“Did you conduct a woman to a prisoner this day?”
“Yes, sir.”
“That was not one of your duties, I feel sure.”
“No, no….” The words tumbled out. He could not speak quickly enough. “I took a bribe. It was wrong. I repent of it. I should not have done it.”
“But it was such a big bribe?”
“Yes, sir.”
“From a person of quality, doubtless. And the name of the prisoner whose cell was visited? Do not try to deceive me, because then I should have to use these toys to make you tell the truth.”
“I will not. I swear I will not. The prisoner was a Mistress Anne Askew.”
“That is good. You are doing well. I can see we shall not have to play with those toys tonight.”
“Who was the woman you took to Anne Askew?”
“A lady… whose name I know not.”
“Whose name you know not? Have a care.”
“I swear I know not her name. She came with food and clothes for the prisoner. I know whence she came, though I know not her name. It was never told me.”
“So you know whence she came?”
“Yes, I know. She came from the heretic friends of Anne Askew.”
“The names of these friends?”
“They told me no names.”
“You are not being very helpful. I must have names.”
“They are ladies of the court.”
“Cannot you give me names…even of some of them?”
He had signed to two men with evil faces; they came forward.
“Not one name?” said the interrogator.
“I do not know who sent them. I was told by a man who brought her…I know…”
“You know?”
“Yes, my lord. I know the woman who comes is a messenger from the Queen.”
“The Queen! Ah, that is good. You have been useful. Let him go. Let him go back to his work. Not a word, my friend, of tonight’s adventure, or…”
“I swear I’ll say nothing. I swear…”
“You will be watched. Just go on as before. Take your bribe. Let the lady in. Your little journey to our chamber, your inspection of our toys makes no difference. Go, my good man. You have answered well and faithfully.”
The jailor’s response was to fall into a faint on the earthen floor.
Wriothesley watched him with a smile. He liked the man. He had given the answer he most wished to hear.
WHEN NAN REACHED the Palace of Greenwich she went straight to the apartments of Lady Herbert as was her custom. The Queen’s sister had spent the time of her absence alternately on her knees praying for Nan’s safety, and at the window watching for her return.
“Nan,” said Lady Herbert, “how went it?”
“Much as before, my lady.”
“Methinks you are returned a little earlier.”
“Yes, my lady. I had scarcely time to take off all the clothing I had brought when the jailor urged me to leave the cell.”
“Why was that?” demanded Lady Herbert, her face growing pale.
“It was merely, he said, that he had not seen the guard in his usual place.”
Lady Herbert’s fingers played nervously with the jewels at her throat.
“This cannot go on. They suspect something.”
Nan threw herself on to her knees. When she had been in the company of Anne Askew she seemed infected by her fanaticism, her desire for martyrdom.
“My lady, I am ready to die, if need be, in the cause of the Queen and the Queen’s faith.”
Lady Herbert began to walk up and down the apartment.
“Oh, Nan, if only it were as simple as that! If death were swift and painless, how easy it would be! What else, Nan? How was she?”
“As strong as before in spirit, but very frail in body.”
“Nan, you must not go there again.”
“If the Queen commands me, I should go. There are times, my lady, when I almost feel a desire to be caught… though I know I should all but die of fright. There is something about that place, something that wraps itself about one. It is utter desolation, hopeless… and yet there is a kind of welcome.”
Lady Herbert took the young woman by her shoulders and gently shook her.
“Nan, Nan, do not talk so. You speak as one who is ready to embrace death.”
“Willingly would I do so, if the Queen commanded,” said Nan. “If they caught me, none should draw the secret from me. They could put me on the rack…”
“Hush, you foolish woman!” cried Lady Herbert almost angrily. “You know not what you say. Stronger than you