Page:Marriott Watson--Galloping Dick.djvu/122

 Firs, and Custos Rotulorum for the county of Somerset.”

There was never a fellow taken so aback as this Wilkins. He scratched his rough head, and looked very puzzled, “But, your ladyship” he says, and then stops and rubs his nose. “’Tis the very moral of the man,” he mutters.

“Odzooks!” I said, coming forward and keeping up my voice very stiff with the best of the quality. “You sottish tenterhook! What, would you lay hands upon a justice? And upon what pretence, you hobnailed rogue?”

“I beg your pardon,” he stammered, “I”; and then whispered to his men. I saw them nod their heads, and they talked together with some show of excitement. Then again Wilkins turned to me and “I am sorry,” said he gruffly, “but you must come with me, for it must be proven of the justices whether you be what you claim to be.”

“Why!” I cried, breaking towards him.