‘I told them what it was,’ said Freeman, ‘but they went on just the same.’
‘Obstinate dogs!’ said Tancred.
‘I think they took it for wine, my lord,’ said Trueman. ‘I never see such ignorant creatures.’
‘You find now the advantage of a good education, Trueman.’
‘Yes, my lord, we do, and feel very grateful to your lordship’s honoured mother for the same. When we came down out of the mountains and see those blazing fires, if I didn’t think they were going to burn us alive, unless we changed our religion! I said the catechism as hard as I could the whole way, and felt as much like a blessed martyr as could be.’
‘Well, well,’ said Tancred, ‘I dare say they will spare our lives. I cannot much assist you here; but if there be anything you particularly want, I will try and see what can be done.’
Freeman and Trueman looked at each other, and their speaking faces held common consultation. At length, the former, with some slight hesitation, said, ‘We don’t like to be troublesome, my lord, but if your lordship would ask for some sugar for us; we cannot drink their coffee without sugar.’
CHAPTER XXXII.
Suspense