But Martin Holt was friendly with several of the Papist families about him, notably with the Coles themselves; and Cuthbert had a growing sense of his own independence and the right to choose his own associates and his own path in life.
It was growing dusk when he stood beside the narrow bed on which Father Urban lay.

The light filtered in scantily through the narrow window pane, and illumined a face lined by pain and white with exhaustion.

Upon the bed lay a packet which looked like papers, and one of the priest's wasted hands lay upon it as if to guard it.

As Cuthbert bent over him and spoke his name, Father Urban looked up, and a dim light crept into his eyes.
"Is it thou, my son, come at last ?" "Yes, Father.

What may I do for thee ?" "Wilt thou do one small service more for me, my son ?" "Willingly, Father, if it lies within my power." "It is well within thy power, boy.