He spoke quite quietly and wickedly, a thin line of teeth showing between his lips. Nol stood staring at him a moment, inexpressible emotions seething within his breast; then turned to the others:—
‘Come Phineas, come Willy—we were best away, to bide our young master’s return, sith in his absence this house is no longer a place for honest men.’
They were leaving the room, old Harlock following, when Melton called upon her to stay. She had been standing all this while, a silent inscrutable figure, somewhat apart, and now turned, hearing the summons.
‘Ay. What is it, Melton?’
‘I did not mean to include you in this dismissal.’
‘Ay.’
‘Think you I have no bowels of gratitude to the one that nursed me in my sickness and gave me back to health?’
‘What is it ye want of me?’
‘Your continuance in my service, that is all.’
‘To cook your victuals, and make your bed, and give you what comfort a woman may?’