"You take things easily for a prisoner charged with the murder of the heir to an earldom."
"Charged with nothing as yet, and well prepared to clear myself from any such accusation, when I am brought into court of law."
"The President of the Council has large discretion and plenary powers; nay, has in a sense the royal prerogative," rejoined the secretary.
"Give you my word, I never heard that the King had prerogative to hang a man without trial."
Master Pennington made me no answer to this, but withdrew, barring and locking the door on the outside.
I know not how it was that I rose to a jesting temper, now that the worst had come to me. Perhaps that was the reason, or it may be my pleasure in saving Bess from further torment raised me to a jocund spirit, or the look I saw on the old earl's face, when he heard Boswell's confession, put heart into me, but truly I was in better cheer than I had been for many a day. I knew well enough the scope of the earl's authority, and how he might override the law in his black vengeance, but I was nowise daunted. I could have sung a ballad, if my lips had not trembled with the cold.
About noon, Master Pennington entered my dungeon, accompanied by two serving-men, who brought food and wine, and a truss of straw and blankets.
"His lordship is liberal," said I.
"You owe your provision to the former steward," answered the secretary. "He still has authority, though past service, and charged me to say that his rheumatic joints forbid his coming to you, but whatever a bedridden old man can do shall be done on your behalf."
"The kind old man! I pray you give him thanks for me. I owe Master Wintringham gratitude for many a favour in bygone days."