“Ah! she hath informed you? It serves as a lockhouse _pro tempore_, and until I can hale the rogue before the leet of Winton and procure his committal.” “How did you force him in there--into that hole, I mean? and he smitten with terror no doubt.” “Smitten, as you say. He was half-dead with it. He went in like a log.” “Harkee, Tuke. You must have him out again.” The other stared. “I mean it,” said the baronet firmly. “Saints forbid ’tis any concern of mine to interfere, do you elect to hold him fast. But dup the poor wretch in decent quarters, Tuke, and not in a hole ’twere a shame to fling a dog into.” “I have my own methods and places,” said the lord of “Delsrop,” mighty haughtily. “Is that what you came to say?” A flush of resentment crimsoned Sir David’s face. “Yes,” said he; “and some more to a harder purpose.” On the word he reigned in his anger shortly, and a smile broke from his lips. “There!” he cried frankly. “I come set on discretion, and this is the result. ’Tis no business of mine, I allow. But I have an old tenderness for the man, Tuke, and it wrings me to think of him maddening down there.” “I regret the necessity.” “Is it one? Waiving the question of the ‘Priest’s Hole’--are you so convinced of his guilt?” “Else would my treatment of him lack a warrant, Sir David Blythewood.” “Ah! You are offended with me. I can’t help it. I--rabbit it, Tuke! ’twill out, ’twill out. I resent your treatment of the man. You come amongst us, a stranger, and God knows I would be friendly with ye. But ye start on a cross scent here, where an older member of the pack would hunt true, and you would have us all follow your lead. D’ye think I don’t know more about Dennis in twenty year than you have found out in a month, or two or three? I stake my faith you’re misled somewhere, and that the man’s innocent of evil intent, whatever the appearances.” Mr. Tuke smiled very politely and acidly. “’Tis always a pleasure to hear a gentleman’s opinions,” said he; “but a fact will knock the most stubborn of them on the head.” “You mean--the girl quoted some folly o’ writin’ on a stone.” “Just so. It happens to be a piece of incriminating evidence.” “May I see it?” “Really, Sir David, you must take my word. I know of only one course if you must insist upon questioning it.” “I understand. I shall not be lacking if need comes, believe me. I tell you to your face you are arrogatin’ the rights of the executive, and more, in casting one into that foul pit on a whisper of suspicion. There are constables, sir; and a Justice of the Peace within a couple of miles of your door, and your proper course was to lay an information with him.” “And see my bird fly meanwhile?” “You could detain him; but not there.” “I see my mistake, then. ’Twas the best bedroom should have been put at his service, and the window closed from draughts.” Sir David turned to go with considerable dignity.