"What? swords out, you sons of cliff rabbits?" And in a moment, Sir
Richard's long blade flashed out also, and putting Mr. Leigh gently
aside, as if he had been a child, he walked up to the party, who
vanished right and left; having expected a cur dog, in the shape of a
parish constable, and come upon a lion instead. They were stout fellows
enough, no doubt, in a fair fight: but they had no stomach to be hanged
in a row at Launceston Castle, after a preliminary running through the
body by that redoubted admiral and most unpeaceful justice of the peace.
"And now, my dear Mr. Leigh," said Sir Richard, as blandly as ever,
"where are my men? The night is cold; and you, as well as I, need to be
in our beds."
"The men, Sir Richard--the Jesuits--they are not here, indeed."
"Not here, sir?"
"On the word of a gentleman, they left my house an hour ago. Believe me,
sir, they did. I will swear to you if you need."
"I believe Mr. Leigh of Chapel's word without oaths. Whither are they
gone?"
"Nay, sir--how can I tell? They are--they are, as I may say, fled, sir;
escaped."
"With your connivance; at least with your son's. Where are they gone?"
"As I live, I do not know."
"Mr. Leigh--is this possible? Can you add untruth to that treason from
the punishment of which I am trying to shield you?"
Poor Mr.
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