My authority would have served to keep down riot, and the charge against the peddler could have been forthwith examined, and if found false the man could then have been sent on his way in safety.

But it is dangerous work just now to appear to side with those against whom the foul charge of heresy is brought.
Knowest thou--know any of ye--what gave rise to the sudden suspicion ?" Edred, who knew much more of the real nature of the peddler's occupation that day, kept his lips close sealed.

He would not for worlds have told what he had seen and heard.

His brothers were plainly ignorant of the peddler's exhortation, reading, and preaching.

It was not for him to add to the anxieties of his parents.
Julian was the first to answer the question.
"It was but the idle spite of the people of Mortimer," he answered.
"They had baited the bull and the bear, and they had the mind to bait or burn a heretic whilst their blood was up, as a fit end to their day's pleasuring.