He had been otherwise occupied of late.

But it was not likely that the authorities would believe any such disclaimer, or leave at large one who had meddled with what they regarded as so deadly a traffic.
When Anthony's confession was brought to them, they were sitting in conclave over these books, and with a list which had been found of the names and number of works brought over and circulated by Garret.

The magnitude of the traffic excited in them the utmost concern and dismay.

If one half had been circulated in Oxford, there was no knowing the extent of the mischief which might follow.
It was necessary that an example should be made.

Already close inquiry had elicited the names of some dozen students or masters concerned.