As De Laprade made his way through the troopers who turned to stare at his companion, Galmoy said to the men who were in charge of Hackett, “Do not remove him. I may have further questions to put to him. And now for this young cock who crowed loud enough to bring the barn down about our ears; I think we shall soon cut his spurs. How say you, Vicomte?”
“I am under obligations to the gentleman, my Lord,” said De Laprade, “I trust your Lordship will not deal too harshly with him.”
“Why, damme, we shall all be under obligations presently, but we shall see. And now, sir, what is your name?”
Gervase caught the eye of the Vicomte fixed on him with a look of warning. “My name is Orme,” he said, feeling weak and faint with the loss of blood and the great heat of the atmosphere.
“A private gentleman, now serving with other gentlemen of the North in defence of our liberties.”
“And, prithee, who gave the gentlemen of the North commission to raise regiments or levy war on His Majesty´s subjects? Do you know, sir, that being found with arms in your hand without lawful authority to carry them, ´tis my duty to string you up as a warning to other malcontents. His Majesty has shown too much long-suffering, and had he been wise we had stamped out this cursed rebellion in a month. There is one King in Ireland, and with the help of God and His holy saints one King there will be. You shall drink his health, and that, damme, in a bumper.”
“That, with your Lordship´s pardon, I shall not do,” said Gervase, disregarding De Laprade´s gesture of warning. “I have taken the oath of allegiance to William and Mary, and to do what your Lordship asks would be an act either of disloyalty or hypocrisy.”
“We shall see,” Galmoy answered, with a smile that was full of meaning. “Fill up a cup, Whitney, for no one shall say that we did not give this damned rebel a chance. And now, sir, whither and on what errand were you away when we interrupted your journey?”
“Our destination was Enniskillen, but for our errand, from answering on that matter I pray your Lordship to hold me excused. My knowledge of our real purpose was but slight and would advantage you little.”
“And do you refuse to answer a plain question, sir?”