He turned his eyes, with a very new and singular
sensation, upon the quondam count, and found that gentlemen
looking very hard at him, with, a preternaturally grave
expression of countenance. Sir Norman knew well as anybody the
varying moods of his royal countship, and, notwithstanding his
general good nature, it was not safe to trifle with him at all
times; so he repressed every outward sign of emotion whatever,
and resolved to treat him as Count L'Estrange until he should
choose to sail under his own proper colors.
"Well," said the count, with unruffled eagerness, "and so you
decline to go any further Sir Norman?"
Hubert's eye was fixed with a warning glance upon him, and Sir
Norman composedly answered
"No, count; I do not absolutely decline; but before I do go any
further, I should like to know by what right do you bring all
these men here, and what are your intentions in so doing."
"And if I refuse to answer?"
"Then I refuse to move a step further in the business!" said Sir
Norman, with decision.
"And why, my good friend? You surely can have no objection to
anything that can be done against highwaymen and cut-throats.
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