The boy's musings profited him nothing; the more he tried to unriddle the mystery the more perplexed he became, the more his head ached, and the worse he slept.

His impatience to get to London grew hourly, and his captivity became almost unendurable.
Hendon's arts all failed with the King--he could not be comforted; but a couple of women who were chained near him succeeded better.

Under their gentle ministrations he found peace and learned a degree of patience.

He was very grateful, and came to love them dearly and to delight in the sweet and soothing influence of their presence.

He asked them why they were in prison, and when they said they were Baptists, he smiled, and inquired-- "Is that a crime to be shut up for in a prison?
Now I grieve, for I shall lose ye--they will not keep ye long for such a little thing." They did not answer; and something in their faces made him uneasy.