"This is too insolent," whispered Batten. "If you arrest him not, Master Thistleton, I will."
"Leave him to me," answered the colonel, gravely. "A committee of the house must not be bearded by the best man in the realm. Leave him to me;" and thus saying, he followed the young lord down the stairs.
When they were in the hall, in which were several servants, Lord Walton paused in the midst.
"Now, gentlemen," he said, "what are your further commands?"
"I have but to ask, my lord," demanded Thistleton, "whether you are disposed to resist the lawful authority of parliament?"
"The unlawful exercise of authority it does not possess, you mean," replied the peer. "But, not to cavil at words, sir--if I say I am, what then?"
"Why, then I should be obliged to do that which would be most unpleasant to me," replied Colonel Thistleton.
"I rather think, however, that such must be the result, sir," rejoined Charles Walton, with a cold and indifferent air.
"I mean, sir, that I shall be compelled to put you under some restraint," said Thistleton, with an angry brow, "which must certainly be done if----"
"If I permit you," added Lord Walton, seeing that he paused. "Colonel Thistleton, you are mistaken," he continued, advancing towards him. "I arrest you, sir, for high treason, in the king's name! Give up your sword!" and he laid his hand firmly on his shoulder.