The attendants stood motionless by the side of the lads; who, in spite of their courage, could not but shudder at the grim silence of this secret tribunal.
At last the chief inquisitor laid down his pen and, lifting his eyes towards them, said: "Your names are Edward Hearne and Thomas Tressilis.

You are English sailors who, having crossed from the other side of the continent, made your way to Arica; where you did, as I am told, a brave action, in saving the lives of some Spanish sailors." Tom assented gravely to the address.
"You are accused," the inquisitor went on, "of being steeped in the errors of heresy; and of refusing to listen to the ministrations of the holy father, who tried to instruct you in the doctrines of the true church.

What have you to say to this ?" "It is true, sir," Ned said, "every word.

We were born Protestants, and were brought up in that church.

Had we been born in Spain we should, no doubt, have been true members of your church.