They looked up suddenly, and saw the door open and the magistrate and his
prisoner standing in the opening. The four constables stood waiting for
further orders while their three chiefs came up.
"Now, now, now!" said Mr. Graves peevishly, "what is all this?"
"We have come to search this house, sir," said Nichol cheerfully.
"See here, sir," said Hubert, "have you given orders for this?"
"Enough, enough," said Lackington coolly. "Search, men."
The pursuivants advanced to the steps. Then Mr. Buxton turned fiercely on
them all.
"See here!" he cried, and his voice rang out across the garden. "You
bring me here, Mr. Graves, promising me a little peace and quietness,
after your violent and unwarranted attack upon my house to-day. I have
been patient and submissive to all suggestions; I leave my entire house
at your disposal; I promise to lay no complaints before her Grace, so
long as you will let me retire here till it is over--and now your men
persecute me even here. Have you no mind of your own, sir?" he shouted.
"Really, sir----" began Hubert.
"And as for you, Mr. Maxwell," went on the other fiercely, "are you not
content with your triumph so far? Cannot you leave me one corner to
myself, or would your revenge be not full enough for you, then?"
"You mistake me, sir," said Hubert, making a violent effort to control
himself; "I am on your side in this matter."
"That is what I am beginning to think," said Lackington insolently.
"You think!" roared Mr.
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