Part 27 (2/2)
Kenneth sneered at the htly aside
”Perchance, master wiseacres, when you have read it, you will appreciate how egotism may also lead men into fatal errors Haply, too, you will be able to afford Colonel Pride so with his correspondence”
But Hogan heard him not He had unfolded the letter, and at the first words he beheld, a frown contracted his brows As he read on the frown deepened, and when he had done, an oath broke froain was silent, and so stood a moment with bent head At last he raised his eyes, and let thely upon Kenneth, who now observed him in alarm
”What--what is it?” the lad asked, with hesitancy
But Hogan never answered He strode past hi it wide
”Beddoes!” he called A step sounded in the passage, and the sergeant appeared ”Have you a trooper there?”
”There is Peter, who rode with me”
”Let him look to this fellow Tell him to set him under lock and bolt here in the inn until I shall want him, and tell him that he shall answer for him with his neck”
Kenneth drew back in alaran--will you explain?”
”Marry, you shall have explanations to spare before , else I'm a fool But have no fear, for we intend you no hurt,” he added more softly ”Take him away, Beddoes; then return toKenneth into the hands of his trooper, he found Hogan seated in the leathern arm-chair, with Ashburn's letter spread before hiht in my suspicions, eh?” ventured Beddoes coht, Beddoes, you were Heaven-inspired It is no State matter that you have chanced upon, but one that touches a eant's eyes were full of questions, but Hogan enlightened him no further
”You will ride back to your post at once, Beddoes,” he commanded
”Should Lord Oriel fall into your hands, as we hope, you will send him to me But you will continue to patrol the road, and demand the business of all comers I wish one Crispin Galliard, who should pass this way ere long, detained, and brought to me He is a tall, lank man--”
”I know hiht they called hinant army--a rakehelly, dissolute brawler I saw hian frowned The righteous Beddoes knew overmuch ”That is the man,”
he answered calreat and urgent need of him”
Beddoes' eyes were opened in surprise
”He is possessed of valuable inforan explained ”Aith you, an turned his ar hi he had acquired the habit of tobacco-ss across a second chair, and composed himself for meditation An hour went by; the host looked in to see if the captain required anything Another hour sped on, and the captain dozed
He aith a start The fire had burned low, and the hands of the huge clock in the corner pointed to e cary voices