Volume 3, Chapter IV. HOW THE POWDER HAD ITS SAY. Sir Mark had not been alone in his suspicions, for the founder had had a half fancy come into his head that Gil might make some effort to prevent the marriage; and after all he could not help feeling that he would not be sorry if this were done. Now it had come so near he thought more than ever that he was doing wrong in giving his consent, for Mace's distress seemed to be ever on the increase, and he dreaded losing his child. "But it's too late now," he muttered--"too late. Matters must go on as they are, and it will be a grand and good thing for my little girl to become my lady--Dame Leslie, who will take her place at Court with the finest of them there." "Do you think our friend Culverin will show himself at the wedding to-morrow?" Sir Mark said. "I cannot help thinking that he will," said the founder. "Well, for my part," said Sir Mark, "I have a suspicion that we shall see him sooner--that he will make an effort to carry her off to-night." "Nay!" cried the founder, flushing, "he would not dare." "I think he would," said Sir Mark, with a cunning smile. "Why look, man, what easier? He has followers and a vessel. Depend upon it, he will try to get our darling away to his ship." "If he dared to attempt such an outrage," cried the founder, half rising from his seat; and then, as if changing his mind, he sat back thoughtfully in his chair. "You would spit him, eh, Master Cobbe? A most worthy proceeding. But, look here, I have made my plans." "Plans?" "Yes. I have, as you know, six men here, all well-armed, and to do honour to my wedding a gentleman of His Majesty's household, a friend of mine, will be here this evening, as soon as it is dusk, with eighteen fighting-men beside. These will come unseen, when I give the signal, and be placed in ambush in the garden. I shall plant two by the open bridge, and, if our friend comes, he and his men will walk into a trap, for the moment they are over, the bridge will be closed, and thus, you see, my dear father-in-law elect, I shall rid myself of an awkward rival, and his Majesty of a band of buccaneers. "But there will be bloodshed, and on the eve of my child's wedding." "Pish!" cried Sir Mark. "Have no fear of that. Once the rats are in the trap, and they will shriek for mercy, as such ruffians and bullies always do. My dear father-in-law, you shall have the pleasure of seeing the whole band tied two and two, and marched off, when the district will be cleared." "And my business ruined," said the founder. "Trust me for that, old man," said Sir Mark, smiling. "You shall make culverins and howitzers for his Majesty's troops to your heart's content, so have no fear. Powder shall you manufacture, too, but we will not talk of that. Did his Majesty know that powder was stored upon your place, ay, ever so little, he would never be your friend. But how do you like my plans?"