"Are you not afraid of the consequences!"
"What are they?"
"W-well, I h-have to see about that. I'm not just sure yet. But why did you make the attack upon Mr. Handyman?"
"We were ordered to do so, sir," Tom replied.
"H'm, I see," and the Squire rubbed his chin thoughtfully with his right hand. He was thinking clearly now, and realised how necessary it was for him to be most discreet with his questions. "Were there just two of you?" he presently asked.
"No, sir."
"Who were the others?"
"They can speak for themselves, sir."
No sooner had the words left Tom's mouth than four men stepped forward.
"And were you in the trouble, too?" the Squire questioned.