The villagers made angry protests at this plain speaking. Hilary, however, with a look that would have melted the hardest heart, continued her eager appeal.
“Yes, yes, I did speak falsely that day. But, oh—have you never sinned?”
The Puritan started back as if she had struck him. “I?” He hung his head, and in a flash it seemed as though his life with its bitter unforgiving lovelessness rose before him—a hideous vision. He crossed over to the Colonel, and put a hand on his sleeve.
“How now, scarecrow? What is it?” said Norton.
“You promised me that if I secured the despatches and Captain Harford, I might ask what I would of you.”
“Well, what do you want?”
“I ask for the life of yonder Captain.”
Norton stared at him. “Are you sure you don’t mean his head in a charger? That, I think, is more in your line.”
“I ask you to spare his life,” said Waghorn, sturdily, while all the people waited breathlessly for the reply.
Norton gave a short scoffing laugh.