“No,” answered Sir John. “And—look’ee, fellow, next time you desire to laugh, turn away—your gaping mouth offends me!”
“Why—why, damme!” stammered Mr. Oxham, staring. “Offend you, is it? Ecod, I’ll do more than offend ye if ye doan’t tak’ yourself off, and sharp’s the word!”
“Aha!” exclaimed Sir John. “The vulgar rogue actually dares to threaten!”
“Do ye tak’ yourself out o’ my way or doan’t ye?” shouted Mr. Oxham, brandishing his whip.
“I do not!” answered Sir John, and with a motion of slender hands, lifted the flaps of his holsters, discovering the butts of two serviceable pistols at his saddle.
“Ho—murder, is it?” exclaimed Mr. Oxham, falling back a step.
“Bob, should it be necessary, you will leave the shooting to me.”
“I prefer my riding-crop, sir!” answered the Corporal happily.
“And now,” continued Sir John, his eyes very quick and watchful, “Mr. Oxham, Mr. Sturton and gentlemen all, listen to me! I will not permit Mr. Potter to be apprehended in this outrageous fashion for the following cogent and excellent reasons, namely: first, because ’tis against the law; second, because I myself share Mr. Potter’s very natural aversion to my Lord Sayle’s company; and, thirdly, because I regard Mr. Potter in the light of a friend and, as a Man o’ Sentiment, I feel the bonds of friendship very sacred.... How say ye, gentlemen?”
“You’m right, sir! Right you be!” cried a voice.