Master Stickles was going forth upon his usual night journey, when he met me coming home, and I said something half in jest, about his zeal and secrecy; upon which he looked all round the yard, and led me to an open space in the clover field adjoining.
'John,' he said, 'you have some right to know the meaning of all this, being trusted as you were by the Lord Chief Justice.

But he found you scarcely supple enough, neither gifted with due brains.' 'Thank God for that same,' I answered, while he tapped his head, to signify his own much larger allowance.

Then he made me bind myself, which in an evil hour I did, to retain his secret; and after that he went on solemnly, and with much importance,-- 'There be some people fit to plot, and others to be plotted against, and others to unravel plots, which is the highest gift of all.

This last hath fallen to my share, and a very thankless gift it is, although a rare and choice one.

Much of peril too attends it; daring courage and great coolness are as needful for the work as ready wit and spotless honour.