“When he knows me as well as he does his own son!”
“Ride back, and tell your leaders that I have laid the contents of their letter before the gallant gentlemen who are my companions here.”
There was a buzz, and an attempt at cheering, which ceased as Sir Godfrey went on.
“They all join heart and soul with me in the determination to hold my home here in the name of his majesty the king, so long as there is a roof above us and a piece of wall to act as shelter, to help us keep your rascally rebellious cut-throats out of the place.”
Fred felt all of a tingle, and his eyes flamed as he gazed up defiantly at the speaker.
“Tell your leaders that if they will at once lay down their arms and return to their homes, they shall be allowed to do so in peace.”
“Huzza!” came from within.
“But if they still keep in arms against his majesty, they must expect no mercy. Once more. Tell your leaders that we treat their proposal with the contempt it deserves.”
“As we shall treat your silly proposition, sir,” said Fred, quite losing his temper at being made the bearer of such an absurd defiance from a little knot of men, completely surrounded as they were. “Am I to fully understand that you are obstinate enough to say you will hold out?”
“Look here, insolent boy,” said Sir Godfrey, sternly, “you are safe—your character of messenger makes you so—but if you stay where you are in front of this my doorstep another five minutes, one of the men shall beat you away with a staff. Go!”