Mr.
Norton is well known as a malignant at heart, and his man Pope hath
been to and fro these last days as though evil were being concerted.
I would that good Master Hatcham were here."
"Poor lad. Let him alone. 'Tis hard he should not get off," said
one of the bystanders.
"I tell thee he is one of the brood of Satan, who have endeavoured to
break up the godly peace of the saints, and fill this goodly land
with blood and fire. Is it not said 'Root them out that they be no
more a people?'"
"Have after them, then," said another of the company. "We want no
more wars, to be taking our cows and killing our pigs. After them, I
say!"
"You haven't got no warrant, 'Riginal," said a more cautious old man.
"Best be on the safe side. Go after constable first, and raise the
hue-and-cry. You'll easy overtake them. Breakneck Hill be sore for
horseflesh."
"I'd fain see Master Hatcham," said the smith, scratching his head.
Stead had meantime been listening as he paid his pence. It flashed
over him now where he had beheld those intensely dark eyes, and the
very peculiar cut of features, though they had then been much more
boyish.
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