I heard Philip give a gasp as I opened my lips to speak, but before I
could say a word Courtenay cried out quickly: "Phil and I heard them stealing the pears, and we came down to stop
them--didn't we, Phil?"
"Yes: they pounced upon us in the dark."
"I am knocked about," cried Courtenay.
"What a wicked lie!" I exclaimed, as soon as I could get my breath.
"Lie, sir, lie!" cried Sir Francis fiercely, as he tightened his grasp
upon my collar. "Why, I saw you come creeping along with that dark
lantern, and watched you. You had no business down here, and yet I find
you along with this fellow, who has no right to be in the garden now,
assaulting my sons."