"Yes, sir, me it is," said the keeper, sternly. "Down, dogs!" This to the animals which began to play about the captain. "Oh, let 'em be," said Rolph, patting one of the setters on the head. "Never mind the dogs, sir. I've got something more serious to think about. I suppose you know as the missus has sacked me, and we're off?" "Yes, Ben, I know; but it was no doing of mine." "I never thought it was, sir; but me and Judy's to go at once--anywhere, for aught she cares. She'd like me to emigrate, I think." "No, don't do that, Ben. England's big enough." "For some people, sir. I don't know as it is for me. Well, sir, I'm sacked, and I dare say it will be a long time before anyone will take me on. My character usen't to be of the best, and the reasons for going 'll be again me. Of course you know why it is." "Well--er--I suppose--" "That'll do, sir. You know well enough, it's about you and my Judy." The captain laughed. "There, sir, you needn't shuffle with me. I'm my gal's father, and we may as well understand one another." "My good fellow, recollect whom you are talking to," said the captain, haughtily. "I do, sir. My late missus's son; and I recollect that I'm nobody's servant now, only an Englishman as can speak out free like. So I say this out plain. Of course, after what's been going on, you mean to marry my Judith?" "Marry her? Well--er--Ben--" "No, you don't," said the keeper fiercely, "so don't tell me no lies, because I know you've been and got yourself engaged to young Miss Glynne over at Brackley." "Well, sir, and if I have, what then?" said Rolph haughtily. "This, sir," cried the keeper, with his eyes flashing, "that you've been playing a damned cowardly mean part to Miss Glynne and to my Judith. You've led my gal on to believe that you meant to marry her, and then you've thrown her over and took up with Sir John Day's gal. And I tell you this; if my Judith hadn't been what she is, and any harm had come of it, you might have said your prayers, for as sure as there's two charges o' shot in this here gun, I'd put one through you." "What?" "You heared what I said, sir, and you know I'm a man of my word. And now, look here: you've been to the lodge to see Judith, for the last time, of course, for if ever you speak to her again, look out. Now, don't deny it, my lad. You've been to my cottage, for it is mine till to-night." "Yes, I have been to the lodge, Hayle," said Rolph, who was thoroughly cowed by the keeper's fierce manner. "I was going through the wood when, just as I drew near the cottage, I heard a cry for help." "What?" roared Hayle. "I ran to the porch just as a man was after Miss Hayle--Steady there."