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194 him? He said he should come hither, by your invitation."

"Ay, and you were so anxious to know what I should do with him, that you sent a lad, Will Bramley, to be on the watch against his coming! Bill, that they call 'Plunder,' did find the lad, and learnt his errand, ere he let him go back to you."

"'Tis true. I sent Will to see that he came to no harm. Even as I would not suffer the lieutenant to do harm to you or to poor Tom, for your mother's sake and for the sake of Tom's kindness when I was a child; so would not I have you do harm to him, since I know him for a brave man, and one that but does his duty in pursuing you and your kindred."

"And 'tis for him you have taken this journey, by yourself, on a night like this? Sure, Miss Joan, the lieutenant would feel flattered did he but know."

"I would do as much for any man, were it a matter of life or death, as I do truly think 'tis in this case!" said Joan with spirit.

"Ay, 'twill be death to him if he meets with Ben, or with Tom, either!" said Ann, mockingly.