"The Mulgrave men are not likely to be the tools of oppression in future," remarked Squire Mell. "The young earl is reducing the number of his train. And I have it on good authority that he has put the case of the Isle Commoners to my Lord Scrope in a new light. He is a just young man, and judicious beyond his years."
"The guest of the evening has reason to think so," some one said.
"Owes Frank for his coronet," another shouted.
"His earldom came to him by the judgment of the Almighty," answered Mell, gravely. "We know Vavasour had no intent to kill Lord Sheffield on the best of testimony—that of Frank himself, who would not lie to save his neck."
"'A speaks as straight as 'a hits and shoots," cried a voice from the other table.
"For my part," continued Mell, "I applaud the earl's courage in despising misconstruction."
"What is the meaning of the uproar below?" asked Portington, as we all listened to a noise of voices in anger and alarm, which came through the side door, just opened for the carrying out of the remnants of supper.
At the same moment, a servant rushed into the room, almost breathless.
"Would your honour condescend to come to give order what's to be done with a murthering villain?" she panted toward Squire Stovin.
A dozen men hurried forward, but the squire called out—