"Make ready to go," I continued, "for we must needs journey to Lostwithiel."
"Promise me that your men will not harm me," he said imploringly, whereat I unthinkingly informed him that there was no one without.
"Then on what authority do you arrest me?" he exclaimed, with a sudden change of tone.
"The authority of right and might," I replied, showing him the pistol once more. "You must needs walk five paces ahead of me, and at the first sign of escape I shoot you down."
"What must needs be," he rejoined. "But, Master Markham, consider a moment. I am of opinion that the matter of Ashley Castle being bestowed upon me is the cause of your hatred towards me, though I swear it was not through my asking."
"You are right, though I'll not believe you did not ask it to be conferred upon you."
"Then why seek my life?"
"I do not seek your life, although by doing my duty I have little doubt but that you'll be hanged for your treachery. Had I not struck up the barrel of a musket, you would certainly have been shot down from the tower of Lostwithiel Church when you tried your utmost to burn or blow us up."
"Good lad! Good lad!" sneered Chaloner. "I thank you for the service."
"And now make ready," I continued, ignoring his insolent manner. "For 'tis late in the afternoon, and we must needs be in camp ere sunset."