Nevertheless there was an increasing commotion.
An old stone cross, raised high on steps, stood in the Market Place, and Robbie walked up to it and leaned against it.

Then he was conscious that word had gone through the crowd that a famous culprit had surrendered.

According to some authorities the culprit was a thief, according to others a murderer; some said that he was a forger, and some said a traitor, and some that he was another of the regicides, and would be sent on to London.
On one point only was there any kind of agreement, and that was that the culprit had voluntarily surrendered to a warrant issued for his arrest.
The commotion reached its climax when the doors of the old hall were seen to open and a company of soldiers and civilians passed out.
It was a guard for the prisoner, who was being taken to the common gaol to await his trial.
A dull, aching, oppressive pain lay at Robbie's heart.

He climbed on to the cross and looked over the people's heads at the little company.
The prisoner was Ralph Ray.

With a firm step, with upright and steadfast gaze, he walked between two soldiers; and close at his heels, with downcast eyes, Simeon Stagg toiled along.
Robbie's quest was at an end..