'This is young Mr. Heywood of Redware,' he said, and moved towards
the wicket, leaning on Richard's arm.

But the old warder stepped in front, and stood between them and the
gate.

'Not a damned roundhead of the pack shall set foot across this
door-sill, so long as I hold the gate,' he cried, with a fierce
gesture of the right arm. And therewith he set his back to the
wicket.

'Tut, tut, Eccles !' returned Scudamore impatiently. 'Good words are
worth much, and cost little.'

'If the old dog bark, he gives counsel,' rejoined Eccles, immovable.

Heywood was amused, and stood silent, waiting the result. He had no
particular wish to enter, and yet would have liked to see what could
be seen of the court.

'Where the doorkeeper is a churl, what will folk say of the master
of the house?' said Scudamore.

'They may say as they list; it will neither hurt him nor me,' said
Eccles.

'Make haste, my good fellow, and let us through,' pleaded Scudamore.
'By Saint George! but my leg is in great pain. I fear the knee-cap
is broken, in which case I shall not trouble thee much for a week of