"This I take it," said the Senator looking about
him, "is beyond the limits of my Lord's plaything."
"This is Shugborough," said Sir George, "and there is John Runce,
the occupier, on his pony. He at any rate is a model farmer." As he
spoke Mr. Runce slowly trotted up to them touching his hat, and Mr.
Gotobed recognized the man who had declined to sit next to him at
the hunting breakfast. Runce also thought that he knew the
gentleman. "Do you hunt to-morrow, Mr. Runce?" asked Sir George.
"Well, Sir George, no; I think not. I b'lieve I must go to Rufford
and hear that fellow Scrobby get it hot and heavy."
"We seem all to be going that way. You think he'll be convicted,
Sir."
"If there's a juryman left in the country worth his salt, he'll be
convicted," said Mr. Runce, almost enraged at the doubt. "But that
other fellow; he's to get off. That's what kills me, Sir George."
"You're alluding to Mr. Goarly, Sir," said the Senator.
"That's about it, certainly," said Runce, still looking very
suspiciously at his companion.
"I almost think he is the bigger rogue of the two," said the
Senator.
"Well," said Runce; "well! I don't know as he ain't. Six of one and
half a dozen of the other! That's about it" But he was evidently
pacified by the opinion.
"Goarly is certainly a rascal all round," continued the Senator.
Pages:
674
675
676
677
678
679
680
681
682
683
684
685
686
687
688
689
690
691
692
693
694
695
696
697
698