"Do _you_ suspect no one?" answered Martha, looking fixedly on him.
"Perhaps, I may, mistress; but it is my part to ask questions, yours
to answer them. That's the rule of the game."
"Then I suspect him who wore yonder sash. Do not you know whom I
mean?"
"Why, if you call on me for honours, I must needs say I have seen
Captain Peppercull have one of such a fashion, and he was not a man to
change his suits often."
"Send out, then," said Martha, "and have him apprehended."
"If it is he, he will be far by this time; but I will communicate with
the higher powers," answered the judge.
"You would have him escape," resumed she, fixing her eyes on him
sternly.
"By cock and pie," replied Hildebrod, "did it depend on me, the
murdering cut-throat should hang as high as ever Haman did--but let me
take my time. He has friends among us, _that_ you wot well; and all
that should assist me are as drunk as fiddlers."
"I will have revenge--I _will_ have it," repeated she; "and take heed
you trifle not with me."
"Trifle! I would sooner trifle with a she-bear the minute after they
had baited her. I tell you, mistress, be but patient, and we will have
him. I know all his haunts, and he cannot forbear them long; and I
will have trap-doors open for him. You cannot want justice, mistress,
for you have the means to get it."
"They who help me in my revenge," said Martha, "shall share those
means.
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