The Trial.--Page [76].
Sir John rose to greet them with dignified courtesy. The soldier did not seem to notice the greeting, but striding up to the table, demanded if he were Sir John of the Forest.
"I am," was the reply, given in such a quiet, fearless tone, that the soldier's rough manner was somewhat modified.
"Then I arrest you for heresy and treason. Men, guard the prisoner and bring hither the guide!"
Some of the men surrounded De Forest, while others led, or rather dragged in a peasant, who seemed ready to sink through the floor with shame and terror.
"Now," said the commander, when he had advanced to the table, "look up, fellow, and tell us if this be your master or no."
The man glanced up for a moment, but his head sank again when he encountered the piercing glance of his betrayed lord, and he muttered his answer almost inaudibly: "Yes, sirs, I know him."
"And where is Cobham, who you say was sitting here not an hour ago? Come, the truth, or--you remember my promise," and he shook in the man's face a rope, knotted into a noose.
The wretch threw himself on his knees in an agony of terror.
"My life! You said you would spare me if I brought you hither!"