I heard Philip give a gasp as I opened my lips to speak, but before I could say a word Courtenay cried out quickly:
“Phil and I heard them stealing the pears, and we came down to stop them—didn’t we, Phil?”
“Yes: they pounced upon us in the dark.”
“I am knocked about,” cried Courtenay.
“What a wicked lie!” I exclaimed, as soon as I could get my breath.
“Lie, sir, lie!” cried Sir Francis fiercely, as he tightened his grasp upon my collar. “Why, I saw you come creeping along with that dark lantern, and watched you. You had no business down here, and yet I find you along with this fellow, who has no right to be in the garden now, assaulting my sons.”