“I canna tell,” said the portress.
“When will he return?” said Hobbie Elliot.
“I dinna ken naething about it,” replied the inexorable guardian of the keep.
“Is there anybody within the tower with you?” again demanded Earnscliff.
“Naebody but mysell and baudrons,” said the old woman.
“Then open the gate and admit us,” said Earnscliff; “I am a justice of peace, and in search of the evidence of a felony.”
“Deil be in their fingers that draws a bolt for ye,” retorted the portress; “for mine shall never do it. Thinkna ye shame o’ yoursells, to come here siccan a band o’ ye, wi’ your swords, and spears, and steel-caps, to frighten a lone widow woman?”
“Our information,” said Earnscliff; “is positive; we are seeking goods which have been forcibly carried off, to a great amount.”
“And a young woman, that’s been cruelly made prisoner, that’s worth mair than a’ the gear, twice told,” said Hobbie.
“And I warn you.” continued Earnscliff, “that your only way to prove your son’s innocence is to give us quiet admittance to search the house.”