A sharp exclamation came from Parker Willett standing near the door.
David paid no heed to it but went on. “I’d no mind to do that, and I refused. With that the two fell on me, and we’d a fight of it, but being two against one, at last they got me down and tied me hand and foot; then they went through my pockets, my pouch, my saddlebags, and even took the shoes from my feet; but they didn’t find what they wanted.
“‘May I ask,’ says I, ‘what ye’re looking for; and maybe I can help ye, for I’ve no time to lose.’
“‘We’re looking for a will, a forged will,’ said one.
“‘I’ve no forged will,’ said I, ‘nor ever did have, and if ye’re looking for the will of old man Muirhead, ye can spare yerself the trouble, for you’re too late by three days. It’s in the magistrate’s hands by this time, and I’m glad of it.’ Then one of them hit me a lick, and told me not to be so free with my opinions. ‘Ye said ye were going to Maxwell’s,’ he said.
“‘I did,’ said I.
“‘Then how can ye have placed it in the hands of the law?’ says he. ‘Because,’ I gave him answer, ‘I’ve already come from Maxwell’s this morning, and had but turned to go back for a bit of something I forgot.’ The man gave a kick. ‘You’re a deceitful, lyin’ fool,’ said he.
“I reminded him what the Bible says of them that call others fools, but he glowered at me and says, ‘I don’t half believe ye. We know ye did have the will, for Park Willett was seen to give it to ye down by Locke’s ford.’
“‘Whatever Park Willett’s given me,’ I said, ‘I’ve not now, and I’ll never have again, so you’ll let me up and I’ll go on.’ With that the one that did the most talking gave me another kick, and if I ever get my two hands on him, the lambastin’ I’ll give him—”
There were growls of approval from David’s friends, but the minister’s voice came in: “Go on, David. ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, saith the Lord!’”