“Wait, wait,” said Sir Morton.
“But do go out and look at the rest of the men, father,” whispered Ralph.
“There is no need.”
“Then you will not agree, father?”
“Most certainly not, my boy.”
Purlrose could not catch all this, but he scowled again.
“Look here, young cockerel,” he cried, “don’t you try and set my old officer against me.”
“No need,” said Sir Morton hotly.
“Ah, that’s because hard times have made me and my poor gallant fellows look a little shabby.”
“Not that, sir. Your old character stands in your way.”