"Then he had no family?" said the Earl.
"I never said so; but you're free to think what you will."
"But tell me, had he a son, or daughter?"
"I suppose I may tell what I please, and needn't tell what I don't."
"But for God's sake tell me the truth!"
"I never have told you aught but the truth."
"I gain, from your unwillingness to tell me, he had a child; was the marriage an acknowledged one?"
"The marriage was sure enough; there is the certificate with the papers I gave you; but as to whether they had children or not, you may even think what you will."
Lord Wentworth, seeing he should gain nothing on this subject by further inquiry, dropped it, inwardly wondering at the old man's contumacy.
"I have said my say," said Bill Stacy, "and now I have only to get your oath you will never by word or deed directly or indirectly betray our retreat or ourselves, and you may go."