All saluted the priest as he passed by, and few even looked askance at his comrade.

The influence of these Roman Catholics over the hearts and feelings of the masses has always been very great--something of an enigma and a grievance to those who would fain see naught but evil within the fold of Rome.

But facts are stubborn things, and the facts have been in this matter in their favour.

England as a nation was slowly but surely throwing off the Papal yoke, and emerging from a region of darkness and superstition.

Nevertheless, the influence of the priest was a living and often a beneficent influence amongst the most degraded of the people, and he could and did obtain a reverent hearing when no man else coming in the name of Christ would have been listened to for a single moment.
As the pair moved along the dark, noisome streets, Father Urban spoke again in his quick, imperious way.
"Thou spakest awhile ago of one Master Robert Catesby; hast thou seen aught of him since thy arrival in London ?" "No," answered Cuthbert; "I have had much else to do and to think of.