“No, but insolence on the part of a menial,” cried Master Pawson; “and if it is repeated, I shall ask Lady Royland to dismiss you, sir, at once.”
“And my mother would refuse to dismiss so old and faithful a servant,” said Roy, warmly.
The secretary looked at the boy wonderingly again, and his eyes darkened; but he smiled the next moment.
“Come, come, Roy!” he said. “Pray leave off this nonsense, and have the gate left open. Send the men back to their work. You will thank me for giving you this advice to-morrow.”
“No, Master Pawson, I shall not,” said Roy, firmly. “The gate will be kept locked; no one will be allowed to pass without the word, and to-night the drawbridge will be raised; by to-morrow, I dare say, we shall be able to lower the portcullis.”
“Are you mad, my boy?”
“I hope not, sir.”
“Do you mean to tell me that you will not listen to my advice?”
“Yes, sir; I cannot.”
“Then, my good lad, I must be severe. I have tried gentle means. As your tutor, in whose charge you have been left by your father, I command you to give up all this silly mummery. You have something better to do than to waste time over such childish tricks. Go to your room, and stay there for a while before you come to mine with an apology. Quick! At once!”