“Yes, or more, Ben.”
“If they’re staunch, sir.”
“Ah, but they would be. My father’s own tenants!”
“I dunno, sir. If times are going to be like we hear, you’ll find people pretty ready to go over to the strongest side.”
“Oh, nonsense! There isn’t a man round here who wouldn’t shout for the king.”
“Quite right, sir,” said Ben. “I believe that.”
“Then why do you throw out such nasty hints?”
“’Cause I’ve got my doubts, sir. Lots on ’em’ll shout for the king, but if it comes to the pinch and things are going wrong, I want to know how many will fight for the king.”
“Every true man, Ben.”
“Azackly, sir; but, you see, there’s a orful lot o’ liars in the world. But we shall see.”