"You're an insolent scoundrel," he said.
"You'd better get a bit further off before you talk like that, young man," growled a fierce-looking little fellow.
"Let the gentleman alone, Tim," said Big Todd. "He's a flag o' truce."
"Then you won't come?" asked the Captain.
"Declined with thanks, sir," bowed Big Todd.
Heseltine rode back and delivered the reply. An angry flush crossed Lord Eynesford's face.
"Very well," he said shortly, and turned to the Colonel. "Colonel," he said, "I want your men to scatter that crowd and bring Todd here. Don't fire without asking me again. Use the flat of the sword unless the crowd use knives or shoot; if they do, use the edge. I can't come with you, I wish I could."
"May I go, sir?" broke simultaneously from Dick and Heseltine.
"No," answered Lord Eynesford shortly.