“You contrive to hear a great deal, Hector, one way or another!”
“No, just in the one way, lad, with my ears. Ye see, Nature gi’e me eyes an’ lugs an’ I use ’em——”
“And you tell me Sturton is a rogue?”
“I say go and see for yourself, John. Get ye to High Dering and look, John, listen—and act!”
“I will, Hector. The peace and quiet of the place will be grateful, besides.”
“Ye’ll no’ find it sae peaceful, lad, nor yet sae quiet whateffer!”
“Why, pray?” demanded Sir John, with sudden interest.
“Well, John, ye’ll ken the name o’ Lord Sayle, I’m thinkin’?”
“Aye, I do!” nodded Sir John, his interest deepening. “I’ve heard he has ‘been out’ rather frequently——”
“Losh, man, he has that! A wild, desp’rit, duelling body wi’ reputation as unsavoury as—as y’r ain, John, but wi’ this difference—he fights tae kill an’ generally pinks his man. He’s ane o’ y’r gentlemanly rapscallions wha’ll insult ye vera politely, y’ ken, an’ kill ye vera genteelly into the bargain if ye dare tae tak’ offence.”