There floated vividly before his mind as he listened the setting of the scene that he had looked upon a few days ago, though there were new actors in it now.
"It was this morning, sir, on Tower Hill.

There was a great company there long before the time.

He came out bravely enough, walking with the Lieutenant that was his friend, and with a red cross in his hand." "You were close by," put in Nicholas "Yes, sir; I was beside the stairs.

They shook as he went up; they were crazy steps, and he told the Lieutenant to have a care to him." "The words, man, the words!" "I am not sure, sir; but they were after this fashion: 'See me safe up, Master Lieutenant; I will shift for myself at the coming down.' So he got up safe, and stamped once or twice merrily to see if all were firm.
Then he made a speech, sir, and begged all there to pray for him.

He told them that he was to die for the faith of the Catholic Church, as my Lord of Rochester did." "Have you heard of my lord's head being taken to Nan Boleyn ?" put in Nicholas fiercely.
Sir James looked up.
"Presently, Nick," he said.
The man went on.
"Master More kneeled down presently at his prayers; and all the folk kept very quiet.