“Take it,” cried Shaftoe.
And plucking the blade from the sheath, he broke it, and flung the pieces at Lord Forrester's feet.
On this there were shouts of applause from the female spectators.
“I suppose it was to win that applause that this foolish act was done, Captain Shaftoe,” observed Lord Forrester.
“You have broken the treaty, and have rendered yourself liable to the punishment of death.”
“As these words were uttered, Dryope and three or four of the fair spectators rushed forward, and threw themselves at Lord Forrester's feet, exclaiming:
“Spare him! spare him!”
“Rise, ladies!” said Lord Forrester. “I am not about to order Captain Shaftoe's immediate execution. I am sorry so great a favourite of your sex should refuse to submit—but no doubt you can bring him to reason. I leave him in your hands.”
With this, he passed on to Sir Francis Anderton and Mr. Townley, who were next, and received their swords.
“Ah! gentlemen,” he said, “I am sorry to find you here. Had you remained quiet for a few days you would have escaped this disaster. You should have followed the example of the cautious High Church Tories!”