HOW DERRICK CARVER FULFILLED HIS PROMISE.

Three days afterwards, Derrick Carver, upon whom the Cardinal’s goodness had operated like a sovereign cordial, giving him new life and energy, announced that he was strong enough to avail himself of the permission he had received, and, accordingly, the door of his cell was unlocked by Mallet, who accompanied him to the palace gates, and there let him go, never expecting, as he frankly avowed, to behold him again.

“It may be well to follow him and see what he is about,” observed Rodomont, who was standing by.

“Nay, his Eminence has strictly forbidden that,” said Mallet. “The man is to be left to his own devices. If he come back, I shall esteem him a greater fool than heretic.”

“Tut, he will return,” said Rodomont. “His Eminence understands him better than you do.”

“Well, we shall see,” rejoined the other.

On that very day, it chanced that Bishop Bonner came to Lambeth Palace, and proceeding straightway to the Lollards’ Tower, inquired for the prisoner. On learning that he had been allowed to go forth, he flew into a violent passion, and declared he would have the keeper punished for his gross breach of duty. Mallet excused himself, and referred the infuriated bishop to the Cardinal, but Bonner could not obtain an audience till his rage had had time to subside. Pole listened to his complaints and then replied, calmly,—

256“It is true, I have let the man go on his promise to return in the evening.”

“But what is the promise of such a false knave worth?” cried Bonner, contemptuously. “He will infallibly break it.”

“I do not think so,” rejoined the Cardinal. “But tarry with me till eventide, and you will see.”

Bonner agreed, dined with the Cardinal in the banqueting-hall, and, as there were many other important guests that day, he made merry, and thought no more about the prisoner. While he was sitting, however, with his host and Priuli, Rodomont Bittern entered, and, bowing to the Cardinal said,—

“Your Eminence desired to be informed when Derrick Carver came back. As the clock struck five, he returned to his cell.”

Pole smiled, and, turning to the Bishop, observed,—

“I was right in my judgment of him, you perceive.”

“I cannot deny it,” replied Bonner. “Nevertheless, I would advise your Eminence to recall your permission. Most assuredly he will do much mischief out of doors.”

“If it turn out so, he shall be kept within his cell,” rejoined Pole.

Shortly after this, Bonner took leave of the Cardinal, but, before quitting the palace, he satisfied himself, by personal inspection, that Carver was safe in his cell. He found him, as usual, reading the Bible, and, if he had dared, would have vented his rage upon him by causing him to be tied to the whipping-post in the chamber beneath and scourged.

“I will have him burnt as soon as possible,” he observed to Mallet. “It is monstrous that such a vile wretch should be treated with so much leniency. And what of the Cardinal’s other cade-lamb, Mistress Constance Tyrrell? Has she been brought back from her apostacy?”

“I cannot say, in sooth, my lord,” replied Mallet. “But I incline to think not, seeing she doth not attend mass.”

“Not attend mass! Then she is still defiled by heresy,” cried Bonner. “We will have her at Smithfield in spite of the Cardinal.” And with this amiable resolve he departed.

Next morning Carver went forth again, returning punctually at five o’clock in the evening, and he pursued the 257same course for nearly a week, rather anticipating his time than staying beyond it. One evening, however, he did not appear as usual. Three hours more went by, and still he came not, and then Mallet thought it right to acquaint the Cardinal with his prolonged absence. The information caused Pole to look grave.

“Something must have happened to him,” he said. “I do not believe he would have stayed away of his own accord, still less do I deem he has any design of evasion. Send Rodomont Bittern to me.”

On Rodomont’s arrival, the Cardinal ordered him to make immediate inquiries after the prisoner, and to take any persons with him who might aid in the quest.

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