“Robert Purcas, if I err not?” she said. “I am sorry to behold thee here, friend.”
“Truly, Mistress, more than I am, that am come hither in Christ’s cause.”
“Ay? Then thou art well come.”
“Methinks it is Mistress Silverside?”
“Thou sayest well. I shall have company now,” said the old lady with a smile. “Methought some of my brethren and sisters should be like to have after.”
“I reckon,” responded Purcas, “we be sure at the least of our Father’s company.”
The great door just then rolled back, and they heard the gaoler’s voice outside.
“Gramercy, but this is tidy work!” cried he. “Never had no such prisoners here afore. I don’t know what to do with ’em. There, get you in! you aren’t the first there.”
There was a moment’s pause, and then Mrs Silverside and Robert, who were looking to see what uncommon sort of prisoners could be at hand, found that their eyes had to come down considerably nearer the floor, as the gaoler let in, hand in hand, Cissy and Will Johnson, followed by their father.