The man stuttered and went clammy.
“Answer, fellow!” cried Sir David.
“I protest, gentlemen, I was unacquent of their intentions.”
“What! you were compelled, and you are ignorant whereto?”
“To shut my eyes, sir—to shut my eyes, noble gentlemen. That’s the sum of my knowledge.”
“Mr. Breeds,” said Tuke, quietly, “have you ever heard tell of the Lake of Wine?”
He watched the man narrowly. He could not have sworn to any particular intelligence in those viscous eyes.
“Not to my cost,” said the landlord, with a sickly attempt at jocosity, “or I should fill my vats at it.”
“Well,” said Sir David, impatiently, “you say your company is departed. And whither?”
“To the gallows, for all it concerns me, sir.”