The stricken Carpenter stood white-faced and trembling.
“Sir—sir—” he faltered.
But the colonel was impatient.
“Come, come, my friend. Since I know they are here, there's an end on't. Show me where they are hid if you would save your own neck from the halter.”
It was enough for Carpenter. The pair in the malthouse might have eluded all search but for the steward's pusillanimity. Incontinently, he betrayed the hiding-place.
“But, sir, of your charity do not tell my mistress that I have told you. Pray, sir—”
Penruddock brushed him aside as if he had been a pestering fly, and with his men went in, and straight to the spot where Hicks and Dunne were lurking. When he had taken them, he swung round on Carpenter, who had followed.
“These be but two,” he said, “and to my knowledge three rogues came hither last night. No shufling with me, rascal. Where have you bestowed the other?”
“I swear, as Heaven's my witness, I do not know where he is,” protested the afflicted steward, truly enough.
Penruddock turned to his men.