Page:Marriott Watson--Galloping Dick.djvu/90

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.

Galloping Dick

ever a sign on my part we came at last to the dungeon in which Baverstock was cast. Flinging open the door, Sir Ralph bade me enter, and there I stood in the presence of the man I was to betray. He seemed surprised to see me, as he very well might be, but there was no time for looks, for Sir Ralph curtly ordered me to my job.

“Here’s a friend of yours, Mr Baverstock,” says he, “who has taken a sudden fancy for King James, and is come to show it on your own person. I am very sorry for you,” says he.

Baverstock regarded me at the first with wonder, and with growing suspicion, and then with a horrible glare of hate. He uttered an abominable oath, and turned to Sir Ralph, who stood looking out of the window.

“Sir Ralph,” he says, “you are at least a gentleman like myself. Is this the orders that I shall be subject to the familiar insults of a villainous footboy?”

“On the contrary,” said Sir Ralph drily, “I believe him to be a very accomplished highwayman.”

78