Now, writes he, this Secretary Cromwell, whom they call Vicar-General, has declared that the said transfer was without the law, and that I must hand over the said lands to the Abbey of Blossholme on or before Candlemas! What was Cromwell paid to sign that order with no inquiry made, I wonder ?" Sir John poured out and drank a fourth cup of ale, then set to walking up and down the hall.

Presently he halted in front of the fire and addressed it as though it were his enemy.
"You are a clever fellow, Clement Maldon; they tell me that all Spaniards are, and you were taught your craft at Rome and sent here for a purpose.

You began as nothing, and now you are Abbot of Blossholme, and, if the King had not faced the Pope, would be more.

But you forget yourself at times, for the Southern blood is hot, and when the wine is in, the truth is out.

There were certain words you spoke not a year ago before me and other witnesses of which I will remind you presently.
Perhaps when Secretary Cromwell learns them he will cancel his gift of my lands, and mayhap lift that plotting head of yours up higher.