Grimaldi stared incredulously.
"Not one," said Mackintosh: "they only pass for married people—they are not really so."
"Then how," said Grimaldi, waxing very angry, "how dared you to invite my wife among them, and induce me to take her there!"
"I'm very sorry, sir," said the man, humbly.
"I'll tell you what, sir," interposed the other, "I'll be put off no longer: this is not the time for secrecy and falsehood, nor is it your interest to tell me anything but the truth. Now, I demand to know at once the real characters of these people, and why you shook your head when I mentioned your bringing them forward as witnesses."
"Mr. Grimaldi," replied the man, with great apparent humility, "they would not come if they were sent for; and besides, if they did, it would injure, not assist me, for they are all marked men."
"Marked men!" exclaimed Grimaldi.
"Too true, sir," said Mackintosh; "desperate characters every one."
"What! Farmer?"