The Castle Inn - Page 99/559

'Two I saw, and there may have been more. The chaise had been waiting in

the yard of the empty house at the corner, the old Nag's Head. I saw it

come out. That was the first thing I did see. And then the lady.' 'Did she seem to be unwilling?' the man in the Ramillies asked. 'Did she

scream?' 'Ay, she screamed right enough,' the fellow answered lumpishly. 'I heard

her, though the noise came faint-like. It is a good distance, your

honour'll mind, and some would not have seen what I saw.' 'And she struggled?' 'Ay, sir, she did. They were having a business with her when I left, I

can tell you.' The picture was too much for Sir George. Gripping the landlord's

shoulder so fiercely that Smith winced and cried out, 'And you have

heard this man,' he said, 'and you chatter here? Fools! This is no

matter for words, but for horses and pistols! Get me a horse and

pistols--and tell my servant. Are you so many dolls? D--n you,

sir'--this to Mr. Fishwick--'stand out of my way!'