“That is true,” said Gray, turning pale.
“If they do,” cried Britton, “they shall find nothing; I will see to that.”
“Let it be so, then,” said Learmont, rising.
“Before we separate now,” interposed Gray, “there is one thing which we should all feel thoroughly assured, and that is, that our mutual safety depends upon our mutual preservation; that is, I mean, if one falls the others are in danger.”
“We understand that, most politic Master Gray,” sneered Learmont, as he clasped his cloak, preparatory to leaving the smithy.
“Perhaps, not fully,” said Gray.
“I am sure, not fully,” cried Britton, with a hoarse laugh. “I have a hold upon our good friend the squire, which I will not even trust to the good-keeping of Master Jacob Gray.”
“Ha!” cried Learmont, turning ghastly pale. “What—what mean you?”
“This way,” said the smith, beckoning the squire to the further end of the apartment. Learmont obeyed the invitation, and whatever was the communication he received, it was conveyed very briefly, for he suddenly exclaimed—
“Enough! enough!” and strode to the door.