But we walk in slippery places; it were well to take heed to our steps." Cuthbert returned Jacob's look with one equally tinged with curiosity.
"Nay now, speak more openly.

What dost thou mean, good Jacob?
What do men say anent these Coles ?" Jacob glanced round and instinctively lowered his voice.
"It is not of the Coles alone that they speak; it is of the whole faction of the Papists.

I know not what is said or what is known in high places; but this I know, that there be strange whispers abroad." Cuthbert's eyes lighted.

A slight thrill ran through him.

He recalled the words recently spoken to him by his whilom friends.
But all he said was: "Verily men are ever whispering.