"Monmouth is taken," and Rosmore watched the landlord closely as he said it.
"That'll be good news for King James," was the answer. "Would it be treason to say I'm sorry for them who've been foolish enough to take up arms?"
"Too near it to be wise. Pity of that kind often leads a man to give help, and that's the worst kind of treason."
"So I've heard say, but I never could understand the rights and wrongs of the law, nor, for that matter, the lawyers neither. I'd a lawyer here not many weeks back, and all his learning hadn't taught him to know good ale when he put his lips to it. What's the good of learning if it can't teach you that?"
"Do you number him amongst your good company?" asked Rosmore.
"I don't, but he'd reckon himself that way."
"You'll be having other company before long asking you to find them hiding-places. The rebels are being hunted in every direction."
"We're too far away," said the landlord. "Bless you, we're a sight o' miles from Bridgwater, and most o' these fellows ain't got horses to carry them. They won't trouble 'The Jolly Farmers,' sir."
"And if they did?"
"The bolts on the door are strong enough to keep them out."