"But, you know," interrupted Calverley, quickly, "that she deserves death for the death she has inflicted."
"That's neither here nor there: I never trouble myself about such matters—I am no schoolman—the judge will see to that; and, if she is to be disposed of, it matters little whether by substantial free-holders or myself and my eleven."
The price was now agreed upon, and the purse that accompanied the pursuivant's dress was more than sufficient to satisfy the exorbitant demand of the foreman.
"I may depend upon you, Master Oakley?" said the suspicious steward, pausing at the door.
"By the green wax! may you—Black Jack is a man of honour. As sure as Judge Skipwith sits on the bench, so sure shall I and my men sit in the jury-box. He is a carle to doubt me," said Black Jack, as Calverley shut the door—"Has he emptied his flask? No—by the green wax! he seems to think as little of his wine as his money;" and, after emptying the cup, left the Mitre.
The next night, being the eve of the trial, Black Jack entered the Mitre, and, ordering a fresh gallon of stout ale, proceeded on to the little room where he had seen Calverley, and in which, around an oak table which nearly filled the area of the apartment, ten men were seated. A measure stood before them which they had just emptied, and were murmuring at their leader's close hand that restricted them to a single gallon.
This room was sacred to the confraternity: here they held their meetings—here they were instructed by their chief in the parts allotted to them in the shifting drama of crime. And here, under lock and key, pledged to the host, were the garments in which they appeared in the jury-box as respectable yeomen. Black Jack cast a rapid glance round the table as he entered, and perceiving one seat still unoccupied, he frowned with impatience.
"What!" exclaimed he, "has Beauchamp broke cover on such a night as this? Speak!"
"He has not been seen to-day," said a sleek-faced old man who sat opposite.
"Not seen to-day—hah!—Has the fellow shrieved himself? or is he laid up after last night's tipple?"