“Farmer.”
“And you?”
“Butler.”
And so all along the line, each man making his response in an independent, defiant tone.
“Will you come and serve the Parliament?” said the general. “I want strong, brave men.”
He looked at Farmer Raynes as he spoke, but glanced afterwards at every man in turn.
“Then you must go and look for ’em somewhere else, squire. You won’t find a man on Sir Granby Royland’s estate.”
A murmur from the rank showed how the rest acquiesced.
The general made a sign, and a squad of musketeers surrounded the men.
“Go back to your homes, my lads; but remember, if you are found in arms again, you will be shot. Escort these men beyond the moat.”