Now, sir, from a principle of lenity, I am determined on the latter course." "But," replied the priest, after casting his eye over both documents, "as I am conscious of no offence, either against your laws or your Government, I decline to fly like a criminal, and I will not; put me in prison, if you wish, but I certainly shall not criminate myself, knowing as I do that I am innocent.

In the meantime, I request that you will accompany me to the castle of my patron, that I may acquaint him with the charges against me, and the cause of my being forced to leave his family for a time." "No, sir," replied Whitecraft, "I cannot do so, unless I betray the trust which Government reposes in me.

I cannot permit you to hold any intercourse whatever with your patron, as you call him, who is justly suspected of being a Papist at heart.

Sir, you have been going abroad through the country, under pretence of administering consolation to the sick, and bestowing alms upon the poor; but the fact is, you have been stirring them up to sedition, if not to open rebellion.

You must, therefore, come along with us, this instant.