" At this one honest, brave man arose and leant with
rustic grace across the table toward the stranger and said,--
"His lordship lies ill yonder," pointing over his shoulder toward the
castle, "and we loyal subjects to his Majesty, claim the right to
drive from Protestant soil the shackles of Catholic freeholds,
and 'tis our intention to come upon them--what say you, fellows,
to-night?"
"Aye, aye!" rang from nearly a score of tongues.
"'Tis well," said the cavalier, "for to-morrow might have been too
late."
"What might that mean, sir?"
"It means that Catholic lands and holds are sometimes confiscated and
in some cases the boundary lines are not known, and some good King
might send some noble lord to the Tower to search for the required
limitations of his demesne."
Every man's hand sought a weapon and eye met eye in mutual concourse.
"To-night, then, to-night we'll put to rout the enemy!" they cried.
The cavalier, pleased with the reception of his hint, asked for his
horse.
He arrived at the castle to be most cordially received by the Duchess
and Sir Julian.
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