Thou hadst better take heed, Cuthbert.

A whisper against thee would soon spread and take root.

I prithee meddle not in such matters, lest some ill befall thee!" Cuthbert thanked honest Jacob for his goodwill and for his warning, but he could not see that it was needed.

He was but an obscure youth, of no note in the world.

He had no dealings with any of those plots of which men were whispering, and he could not see how any act of his could raise suspicion of any sort against him.