Had I known that Master Clarke had refused, God helping me, I would have refused also; for surely never was there a man who had so fully the mind of the Lord Jesus as John Clarke." Garret's glance fell before that burning gaze.

He too had noted that Clarke was not amongst the penitents, and it had cut like a knife into his heart.

He had always been so ready with his protestations of willingness to die for the faith, yet he had been won over to an act which looked like one of recantation.

Clarke had never boasted, had always spoken with gentle warning of the dangers which beset them, and his doubts as to whether they should have strength to withstand the fiery trial if it came upon them.

There had been times when Garret had openly charged him with being lukewarm in the cause.