Old Mortality, Volume 1. by Sir Walter Scott
page 141 of 328 (42%)
page 141 of 328 (42%)
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intercommune with this attainted traitor, to correspond with him by word,
writ, or message, or to supply him with meat, drink, house, harbour, or victual, under the highest pains--you knew all this, and yet you broke the law." (Henry was silent.) "Where did you part from him?" continued Bothwell; "was it in the highway, or did you give him harbourage in this very house?" "In this house!" said his uncle; "he dared not for his neck bring ony traitor into a house of mine." "Dare he deny that he did so?" said Bothwell. "As you charge it to me as a crime," said Henry, "you will excuse my saying any thing that will criminate myself." "O, the lands of Milnwood!--the bonny lands of Milnwood, that have been in the name of Morton twa hundred years!" exclaimed his uncle; "they are barking and fleeing, outfield and infield, haugh and holme!" "No, sir," said Henry, "you shall not suffer on my account.--I own," he continued, addressing Bothwell, "I did give this man a night's lodging, as to an old military comrade of my father. But it was not only without my uncle's knowledge, but contrary to his express general orders. I trust, if my evidence is considered as good against myself, it will have some weight in proving my uncle's innocence." "Come, young man," said the soldier, in a somewhat milder tone, "you're a smart spark enough, and I am sorry for you; and your uncle here is a fine old Trojan, kinder, I see, to his guests than himself, for he gives us wine and drinks his own thin ale--tell me all you know about this Burley, |
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