“‘Brownson,’ he says, ‘send for a policeman at once.’”
“Yes, just what he would say,” said the Colonel, while Gwyn wished fervently he had not tied up Grip.
“Yes, sir, that’s what he said; but I give ’em rope, and I’ve been again and again; and last time they let me see that all the blame should be on me and none on them, for no one would believe that loyers like them could do wrong, while everyone would think bad of me. Last of all they ordered me off, and after thinking it over a bit I’ve come to you, sir.”
“What for?” said the Colonel.
“Why, for you to go to law with them for spoiling your mine. You’ve only got to start it, and I’ll come and swear to it all, and you can get them transported. Don’t you be afraid, sir; I’ll come and speak out, and then—”
“I’m to give you a hundred pounds, I suppose?”
“Well, sir,” said the man, grinning, “I must have it out o’ some one. But don’t you be afraid; I’ll bring it home to ’em sharp. Now what do you say?”
“This,” cried the Colonel; “I’m too old, and my son is too young, to horsewhip such a scoundrel as you are. Be off my premises at once, sir; and if you dare to come here again, old as I am, or young as he is, we’ll try.”
“What?” cried Dinass, in a bullying tone.
“Gwyn, my boy,” said the Colonel, calmly, “go and unloose Grip.”