The Blackthorn Key

Christopher wakes up the next morning to the sound of the crier going through the streets with the message that he is Master Benedict's murderer. There is a reward of 20 pounds to anyone who captures him. He protests that he is innocent to Dr. Parrett, who already knew this. He asks if he can help Christopher. Later, Tom comes to see Christopher and is shocked to see that Christopher has dyed his hair black with squid ink from the sash, borrowed new clothes from Dr. Parrett, and irritated his skin to hide his appearance. In the streets, people think Christopher is a street urchin, making it easy for him to evade the King's Men as he goes to Isaac's bookshop.

The overflowing bookshop makes Christopher think of Master Benedict. Christopher approaches Isaac, asking for information about symbols. He uses the name "James Parrett" to hide his true identity, claiming he is apprenticed to another apothecary, Andrew Church. Isaac asks about the symbols, which Christopher describes. Isaac identifies them as ingredients, and Christopher states that they are "a key" (281). Initially, Isaac refuses to help him. He gestures to a Biblical quote in Latin on a beam of the bookshop: "The truth will set you free" (282).