And now there came alluringly before
him the promise of the reward offered for the discovery of the
fugitive cavaliers, the idea of being able to rent and stock poor
Ewins's farm, and setting up there with Deborah. It was money easily
come by, he thought, and he would like to be revenged on Master
Walter, and show him that the lubber and moon-calf could do some
harm, after all. A relenting came across him as he thought of his
lady and Mistress Rose, though he had no personal regard for Edmund,
who had never lived at Forest Lea; and his stolid mind was too much
enclosed in selfishness to admit much feeling for anyone. Besides,
it might not be Master Edmund; he was probably killed; it might be
one of the lords in the battle, or even the King himself, and that
would be worth 1,000 pounds. Master Cantwell called them all tyrants
and sons of Belial, and what not; and though Dr. Bathurst said
differently, who was to know what was right? Dr. Bathurst had had
his day, and this was Cantwell's turn. There was a comedown now of
feathered hats, and point collars, and curled hair; and leathern
jerkin should have its day. And as for being an informer, he would
keep his own counsel; at any rate, the reward he would have. It was
scarcely likely to be a hanging matter, after all; and if the
gentleman, whoever he might be, did chance to be taken, he would get
off scot free, no harm done to him.
Pages:
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80