The loft was often used for the storage of fruit, corn, flax, and the like, and there was a quantity of the latter material stored therein; on this Cuthbert lay.
Meanwhile the priest below fulfilled his task.
“Who are ye, disturbing an honest family after curfew?”
“Officers of the law, constables; open, in the name of the law.”
“There be many who avail themselves of that name, with very little title; robbers be about, and I must have surer warrant ere I admit you.”
“Open, or we will break down the door.”
“Nay, and thou come to that game, there be those within, good at the game of quarter staff; meanwhile we will blow the horn and rouse the watch.”
“Thou old fool, we will break thy bones, as well as the door; we tell thee we are the constables—the watch.”
“’Tisn’t old Hodge’s voice,” said another; “ask the fellow who he is.”
“Who art thou, fool?”