When thou hast fitting opportunity, come secretly to my house; thou wilt be welcome there." And half pushing Cuthbert from him before the bewildered youth had time to speak a single word, the printer disappeared within his own door, and Cuthbert was left to make his way to his uncle's house.
"Beshrew me if I know what Master Anthony means!" said Cuthbert to himself.

"I trow there be matters stirring in London town of which we in the country know nothing.

How strange it is that one can hardly set foot in this great seething city without hearing words of mystery--without feeling oneself enwrapped in its strange atmosphere of doubt and perplexity.

Something is doubtless astir of which I know naught; but at my uncle's house I shall hear all." The shutters were just being put up at Martin Holt's as Cuthbert stepped across the threshold.

The servant uttered a cry of astonishment as he saw his master's nephew, and Martin himself came forward from the little room behind.
"Bless me, is it thou, Cuthbert ?" he exclaimed in surprise.