Page:The silent prince - a story of the Netherlands (IA cu31924008716957).pdf/258

 act involve you in difficulties? I cannot accept your aid if it costs you your life."

"Be not needlessly alarmed, my son, I have not been a Jesuit all these years in vain. My tracks are thoroughly covered. The jailer does not know me, as I was careful to conceal my face when I entered the prison to-night. Before sunrise I shall be en route for Rome, whither my Superior has sent me on a special commission. No one in the House knew that I left that place this evening. Monseigneur Ryder is a keen man, and he may have his suspicions when he learns the fact of your escape, but he will protect the interests of his Order."

"You are a noble man!" said Conrad. "Would that you were one of the pioneers of the Reformation, instead of a Jesuit."

Conrad had gone too far. The priest's face hardened.

"There cropped out the fanaticism of John Chenoweth!" he said sternly. "But enough of this! What I am, I am. The years will leave me as they found me. I am striving after holiness, and if at the last I fail of attaining it, it will not be from lack of endeavor."

"Forgive my hasty words!" said Conrad. "I trust you are a sincere follower of Christ, although you are a Jesuit."