"
"Speak, then."
"I consider that the deer in this forest belong to King Charles, who
is my lawful sovereign, and I own no authority but from him. I hold
myself answerable to him alone for any deer I may kill, and I feel
sure of his permission and full forgiveness for what I may do."
"That may be your opinion, my good sir, but it will not be the opinion
of the ruling powers; but if caught, you will be punished, and that by
me, in pursuance of the authority vested in me."
"Well, sir, if so, so be it. You have dismissed the Armitages on
account of their upholding the king, and you can not, therefore, be
surprised that they uphold him more than ever. Nor can you be
surprised if a dismissed verderer becomes a poacher."
"Nor can you be surprised, if a poacher is caught, that he incurs the
penalty," replied the Roundhead. "So now there's an end of our
argument. If you go into the kitchen you will find wherewithal to
refresh the outward man, and if you wish to remain till Oswald
Partridge comes home, you are welcome."
Edward, who felt indignant at being dismissed to the kitchen, nodded
his head and smiled upon the little girl, and left the room. "Well,"
thought he, as he went along the passage, "I came here for two
puppies, and I have found a Roundhead.
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