"A vile Whig and a bigoted Presbyterian, a rebel against the king, and a harbourer of field preachers and like vermin," continued Turner, in his coarse fashion. "I have just come from Rowallan, but the puling womenfolk there have lost their tongues, and could tell us nothing of those we seek. In the king’s name, Andrew Gray, I command you to instantly tell me where your canting old father, and your brother, the minister of Broomhill, are to be found. Remember you stand at peril of your life." Andrew Gray folded his arms across his chest, and looked his questioner in the face with undaunted eye. "Very well do I know that I stand at peril of my life," he made answer, calmly. "But I can tell you nothing of those you seek." "You will not, you mean," cried Turner, passionately. "By heavens, the name of Gray seems inseparable from dogged obstinacy, as well as from rebellion and treason. If I tie up your eyes and point a pistol at your mouth it may refresh your memory." Hartrigge spoke never a word; his wife sank weeping helplessly into a chair, while the children, all but Gavin, who had left the room, crouched beside her in terror. "Woman, bid your husband obey orders, unless you want me to leave him to you to bury!" said Turner. "I have already wasted too much precious time among your kind." But never a word spoke Mistress Gray. Then Turner looked towards his subordinates-- "Bind the obstinate pig-headed Whig," he said, briefly. "If I cannot make him speak, we will take him to those who will." Susan Gray uttered a loud shriek, and sprang to her husband’s side; but she was rudely cast aside, while the officers pinioned Hartrigge’s arms. "Stop that howling, woman, or I will give you something to yelp about! I’ve a mind to burn your house about your confounded ears, but it would take too much time to-day. Let the prisoner to horse, and let us be off. We have other game to bag before sunset to-day." As Andrew Gray was about to leave the room he stepped to his wife’s side, and hastily bade her be of good cheer, for his time had not come yet; then, looking upon the children with a strange softening in his stern eyes, he waved them an affectionate farewell.