The butler, though evidently uneasy, did not venture to disobey, but led him to a room that opened out of the hall. The sergeant followed close behind Atherton.
They had been ushered into the library. Sir Richard was writing at a table, but raising his eyes on their entrance, he started up, and exclaimed in an angry voice:
"Why have you brought these persons here, Markland. I told you I would not be disturbed."
"Your servant is not to blame, Sir Richard," interposed Atherton. "I insisted upon seeing you. I am sent to bring you to the prince."
"It is my intention to return to Manchester to-night," replied the baronet, haughtily. "But I have some affairs to arrange."
"I shall be sorry to inconvenience you, Sir Richard," observed Atherton. "But my orders are precise. You must present yourself at the prince's head-quarters before midnight."
"I engage to do so," replied the baronet.
"But you must be content to accompany me, Sir Richard. Such are my orders from his royal highness."
"And mine," added Sergeant Dickson.
Controlling his anger by a powerful effort, Sir Richard said with forced calmness: