‘Yes, it was in a wood,’ continued Bertram, as long past and confused ideas arranged themselves in his reviving recollection; ‘and some one was with me; this worthy and affectionate gentleman, I think.’
‘O, ay, ay, Harry, Lord bless thee; it was even I myself.’
‘Be silent, Dominie, and don’t interrupt the evidence,’ said Pleydell. ‘And so, sir?’ to Bertram.
‘And so, sir,’ continued Bertram, ‘like one of the changes of a dream, I thought I was on horseback before my guide.’
‘No, no,’ exclaimed Sampson, ‘never did I put my own limbs, not to say thine, into such peril.’
‘On my word, this is intolerable! Look ye, Dominie, if you speak another word till I give you leave, I will read three sentences out of the Black Acts, whisk my cane round my head three times, undo all the magic of this night’s work, and conjure Harry Bertram back again into Vanbeest Brown.’
‘Honoured and worthy sir,’ groaned out the Dominie, ‘I humbly crave pardon; it was but verbum volans.’
‘Well, nolens volens, you must hold your tongue,’ said Pleydell.
‘Pray, be silent, Mr. Sampson,’ said the Colonel; ‘it is of great consequence to your recovered friend that you permit Mr. Pleydell to proceed in his inquiries.’
‘I am mute,’ said the rebuked Dominie.