"Because my Lord Sheffield desired to have him sent to the plantations under the name and likeness of one Jim Ulceby."
The earl sat silent for what seemed a long time, Boswell moaning feebly the while. Then again the hand waved, the levers moved, and Boswell shrieked in agony.
"My son gave you order to mutilate Vavasour?"
"Yes; I did all by his lordship's command.'"
"Take both prisoners away and bestow them safely in separate dungeons," said his lordship; "and bring me a cordial, Nicholas."
The secretary motioned to me to follow him, and two of the men came behind me. Pennington led the way down the winding stairs to a dungeon lighted only by a slit in the wall, and containing no other furniture than a stone table.
"'Tis more than a trifle cold here, Master Pennington," said I. "Some straw for one's feet, and a wrap for one's body, would be welcome."
"I will take my lord's pleasure on the matter," replied the secretary, who, to do him justice, had little of the Jack-in-office in his manners.
"Pray remind him, Master Pennington, that I have saved him a hundred pounds, which deserves acknowledgment."
I thought I saw a faint smile on the man's face as he answered—