The earl was, as before, alone.
"I have been thinking, Master Forster, that it would be safer, both for you and for me, were you to tarry here for a while.

You came through safely, it is true, but you might not have such good fortune on your return; and even though I sent no written answer, it would be enough, were Percy's signet found upon you, to ensure your imprisonment, and perhaps death.

At any rate, they would have the means of wringing from you the mission of which you were in charge; while I could send equally well a message by sea, as I did before." "I see that there might be some slight danger, my Lord Earl," Oswald said quietly; "but I, as well as another, might take passage down by ship touching at Berwick, or other port." The earl's brow clouded.
"'Tis a matter to be thought over," he said, moodily.

"A ship might be captured, seeing that there are often French freebooting vessels on the coast.

And what were your orders from Lord Percy ?" "That I was to return, immediately I had conveyed his message to you." "I would gladly hasten your departure," the earl said, after a moment's pause, "but you see, great issues hang upon this affair.