“Indeed, and why so?”
“You came here a stranger,” said Ashbrook, endeavouring as best he could to command his temper for a while; “I gave you a night’s rest unasked; for several weeks I have made you live with me, and have treated you to the best of my poor power; I have made my home your home—I have made my friends your friends.”
“I do not deny all this,” said Fortescue. “In point of fact, I admit it. But then, my honest yeoman, consider the honour of having a gentleman in your house. I have to return you many thanks for your kindness and hospitality.”
“A gentleman!” cried Ashbrook; “God keep me from such gentlemen! A blackguard, you mean—a gambler—and a thief!”
“Have a care, Mr. Ashbrook, as to what you say. There is such a thing as indicting a man for defamation of character.”
“Character! you’ve none to lose, you sneak. You’ve deceived my wife,” said the farmer, raising his voice; “ye’ve deceived me, poor fool that I have bin; ye’ve tried to disgrace us both for life.”
No. 58.
ASHBROOK RECEIVING THE CHALLENGE FROM “CAPTAIN BRADLEY.”
“That I deny. Assertions are one thing and proof is another—remember that, Mr. Ashbrook.”