"Yes, sir; I tell you he came here neither with the intent to rob nor to offer violence."
"That is false, Ranulph," replied Lady Rookwood. "I was dragged hither by him at the peril of my life. He is Mr. Coates's prisoner on another charge."
"Unquestionably, your ladyship is perfectly right; I have a warrant against him for assaulting Hugh Badger, the keeper, and for other misdemeanors."
"I will myself be responsible for his appearance to that charge," replied Ranulph. "Now, sir, at once release him."
"At your peril!" exclaimed Lady Rookwood.
"Well, really," muttered the astonished attorney, "this is the most perplexing proceeding I ever witnessed."
"Ranulph," said Lady Rookwood, sternly, to her son, "beware how you thwart me!"
"Yes, Sir Ranulph, let me venture to advise you, as a friend, not to thwart her ladyship," whispered the attorney; "indeed, she is in the right." But seeing his advice unheeded, Coates withdrew to a little distance.
"I will not see injustice done to my father's son," replied Ranulph, in a low tone. "Why would you detain him?"
"Why?" returned she, "our safety demands it—our honor."