At this critical moment he turned
suddenly round. Perhaps from a prior suspicion of their intentions, or
from the knavish cast of their countenances, he saw that hostilities
were in contemplation: at any rate, he seemed to be prepared for the
event. Will, being the mouthpiece of the party, and accustomed,
moreover, at times to a precise and methodical manner of delivery, was
the chief speaker.
"Sir, we arrest you for high treason. You are charged with firing off
beacons without our privity or consent, thereby endangering the safety
of the lord abbot, and the peaceable governing of this realm." He
paused, quaking even at his own eloquence; but the stranger made no
reply, till, throwing aside his cloak, he drew out a hagbut or
demi-hague as it was sometimes called, being a sort of small harquebuss,
with its match ready kindled.
"Tell the Abbot of Whalley that neither ye nor the whole horde of drones
and drivellers about his hive, shall take me against my own liberty and
consent. Hold back! Your first step, is your last, save to your grave! I
will see the abbot shortly, but not by your grace or assistance." Saying
this, he bounded down the steep like the roused deer, in its first pride
of flight, scorning the chase.
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