expedition on which he was bent, as he could find no one in the country upon whom he could so well count as on them.  Eyeing the rector fiercely, as he intruded upon their privacy, they glanced at their leader to ask whether they should turn him out; but, receiving no encouragement for such rudeness, they contented themselves with scowling at him from beneath their bent brows, twisting up their shaggy mustaches, and trifling with the hilts of their rapiers.  Holden opened his business at once; and as soon as Sir Thomas heard it, he sprang to his feet, and, swearing a great oath, declared he would storm Rough Lee, and burn it to the ground, if Mistress Nutter did not set the two captives free.

“As to the audacious witch herself, I will carry her off, in spite of the devil, her master!” he cried.  “How say you, Captain Gauntlet—­and you too, Captain Storks, is not this an expedition to your tastes—­ha?”

The two worthies appealed to responded joyously, that it was so; and it was then agreed that Blackadder should be brought in and interrogated, as some important information might be obtained from him.  Upon this, Captain Gauntlet left the room to fetch him, and presently afterwards returned dragging in the prisoner, who looked dogged and angry, by the shoulders.

“Harkye, fellow,” said Sir Thomas, sternly, “if you do not answer the questions I shall put to you, truly and satisfactorily, I will have you taken out into the yard, and shot like a dog.  Thus much premised, I shall proceed with my examination.  Master Roger Nowell and Master Thomas Potts, you are aware, are unlawfully detained prisoners by Mistress Alice Nutter.  Now I have been called upon by the reverend gentleman here to undertake their liberation, but, before doing so, I desire to know from you what defensive and offensive preparations your mistress has made, and whether you judge it likely she will attempt to hold out her house against us?”

“Most assuredly she will,” replied Blackadder, “and against twice your force.  Rough Lee is as strong as a castle; and as those within it are well-armed, vigilant, and of good courage, there is little fear of its capture.  If your worship should propose terms to my mistress for the release of her prisoners, she may possibly assent to them; but if you approach her in hostile fashion, and demand their liberation, I am well assured she will resist you, and well assured, also, she will resist you effectually.”

“I shall approach her in no other sort than that of an enemy,” rejoined Sir Thomas; “but thou art over confident, knave.  Unless thy mistress have a legion of devils at her back, and they hold us in check, we will force a way into her dwelling.  Fire and fury! dost presume to laugh at me, fellow?  Take him hence, and let him be soundly cudgeled for his insolence, Gauntlet.”

“Pardon me, your worship,” cried Blackadder, “I only smiled at the strange notions you entertain of my mistress.”