Likewise to arrest the person of Dame Mary
Woodley, widow, suspected of harbouring and concealing traitors:" and
he advanced to lay his hand upon her. Walter, in an impulse of
passion, rushed forward, and aimed a blow at him with the butt-end of
the fishing-rod; but it was the work of a moment to seize the boy and
tie his hands, while his mother earnestly implored the soldier to
have pity on him, and excuse his thoughtless haste to protect her.
The officer sat down in the arm-chair, and without replying to Lady
Woodley, ordered a soldier to bring the boy before him, and spoke
thus:- "Hear me, son of an ungodly seed. So merciful are the lessons
of the light that thou contemnest, that I will even yet overlook and
forgive the violence wherewith thou didst threaten my life, so thou
wilt turn again, and confess where thou hast hidden the bloody-minded
traitor."
"This house harbours no traitor," answered Walter, undauntedly.
"If thou art too hardened to confess," continued the officer,
frowning, and speaking slowly and sternly, as he kept his eyes
steadily fixed on Walter, "if thou wilt not reveal his hiding-place,
I lead thee hence to abide the penalty of attempted murder."
"I am quite ready," answered Walter, returning frown for frown, and
not betraying how his heart throbbed.
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