All the bolts being shut, my Master steps to the grille and speaking through it, “Saint Aubyn,” says he, “between gentlemen there are fitter ways to dispute than brawling with servants.  I am no thief or robber; as you may satisfy yourself by search and question, bringing, if you will, Mr. Godolphin and three men to help you under protection of my word.  If you will not, then I am ready for you at any time of your choosing.  But I warn you that, if any man offers further violence to my gate, I send Master Tonkin to melt the lead, of which I have good store.  So make your choice.”

He said it in English, and few of those who heard him could understand.  And after a moment Saint Aubyn, who was a very courteous gentleman for all his hot temper, made answer in the same tongue.

“If I cannot take your word, Pengersick,” said he, “be sure no searching will satisfy me.  But that some of your men have made off with the goods, with or without your knowledge, I am convinced.”

“If they have—­” my Master was beginning, when Godolphin’s sneering laugh broke in on his words from the other side of the gate.

“‘If!’ ‘If!’ There are too many if’s in this parley for my stomach.  Look ye, Pengersick, will you give up the goods or no?”

Upon this my Master changed his tone.  “As for Mr. Godolphin, I have this only to say:  the goods are neither his nor mine; they are not in my keeping, nor do I believe them stolen by any of my men.  For the words that have passed between us to-day, he knows me well enough to be sure I shall hold him to account, and that soon:  and to that assurance commending him, I wish you both a very good day.”

So having said, he strolled off towards the stables, leaving me to listen at the gate, where by-and-by, after some disputing, I had the pleasure to hear our besiegers draw off and trot away towards Godolphin.  Happening to take a glance upwards at the house-front, I caught sight of the strange lady at the window of the guest-chamber, which faced towards the south-east.  She was leaning forth and gazing after them:  but, hearing my Master’s footsteps as he came from the stables, she withdrew her eyes from the road and nodded down at him gaily.

But as he went indoors to join her at breakfast I ran after, and catching him in the porch, besought him to have his wound seen to.  “And after that,” said I, “there is another wounded man who needs your attention.  Unless you take his deposition quickly, I fear, sir, it may be too late.”

His eyebrows went up at this, but contracted again upon the twinge of his wound.  “I will attend to him first,” said he shortly, and led the way to the strong room.  “Hullo!” was his next word, as he came to the door—­for in my perturbation and hurry I had forgotten to lock it.

“He is too weak to move,” I stammered, as my poor excuse.

“Nevertheless it was not well done,” he replied, pushing past me.