The Vicar still preserved a stern countenance, but he had not been human if he had not been secretly touched by this proof of the devotion of his people, however recklessly given.
"And these said notes," he said, "they may have been quite harmless; what did you do with them?"
"We took them from his pockets, Vicar, then we wrapped them round a big stone and threw them in the pond; they won't do much harm there!"
The Vicar's features relaxed into a momentary smile; then he became pensive again, as he said—
"Thank God that I and Miss Susan came in time to frustrate your reckless intention; you might have brought down unutterable evils on our parish; and remember, men, there is One who hath said, 'Vengeance is Mine, I will repay!' What right had you to snatch the judgment from His hand?"
At this moment Susan touched the Vicar on the arm, and said—
"He is fast recovering consciousness: let the men carry him to his lodgings at the 'Six Bells,' and at once; he needs rest and refreshment."
"Yes," replied the Vicar, "I will see to it: and do you, Mistress Susan, go home without me; I will soon follow you."
The Vicar turned to one of the men, who had not been actively engaged in the late proceedings.
"Hal," said he, "take that gate off its hinges and bring it here"—pointing to a garden gate near at hand.