“Hold your tongue,” said Hodges roughly.
“Why is he to hold his tongue, Mr. Hodges?” said the chaplain quietly; “how is he to answer my question if he holds his tongue? You forget yourself.”
“Ugh! beg your pardon, sir, but this one has always got some excuse or other.”
“What is the matter?” roared a rough voice behind the speakers. This was Hawes, who had approached them unobserved.
“He is gammoning his reverence, sir—that is all.”
“What has he been saying?”
“That the crank is too heavy for him, sir, and the waistcoat is strapped too tight, it seems.”
“Who says so?”
“I think so, Mr. Hawes.”
“Will you take a bit of advice, sir? If you wish a prisoner well don't you come between him and me. It will always be the worse for him, for I am master here and master I will be.”