« It is Wenlock's head," said Genvil—" how his eyes stare ! "

" They will stare after no more wenches now," said the boor—" I
have cured him of caterwauling."

" Thou ! " said Amelot, stepping back in disgust and indignation.
" Yes, I myself," replied the peasant ; " I am Grand Justiciary of
the Commons, for lack of a better."

" Giand hangman, thou wouldst say," rephed Genvil



THE BETROTIIED. 24.1

" Call it what thou list," replied the peasant. " Truly, it behoves
men in state to give good example. I'll bid no man do that I am
not ready to do myself. It is as easy to hang a man, as to say
hang him ; we will have no splitting of offices in this new world,
which is happily set up in old England.
" Wretch 1 " said Amelot, " take back thy bloody token to them
that sent thee ! Hadst thou not come upon assurance, I had
pinned thee to the earth with my lance — But, be assured, your
cruelty shall be fearfully avenged.— Come, Genvil, let us to our
men ; there is no farther use in abiding here."

The fellow, who had expected a very different reception, stood
staring after them for a few moments, then replaced his bloody
trophy in the wallet, and rode back to them who sent him.
