I went to my own room and armed myself; then ran upstairs to the comfortable chamber where abode Master Jeremy Sparrow, surrounded by luxuries which his soul contemned.

He was not there.

At the foot of the stair I was met by Goodwife Allen.

"The minister was called an hour ago, sir," she announced.

"There's a man dying of the fever at Archer's Hope, and they sent a boat for him.