Contains Mr. Brock's Autobiography, And Other Matters
"You don't sure believe these men?" said Mrs. Hayes, as soon as the first alarm caused
by the irruption of Mr. Brock and his companions had subsided. "These are no
magistrate's men: it is but a trick to rob you of your money, John."
"I will never give up a farthing of it!" screamed Hayes.
"Yonder fellow," continued Mrs. Catherine, "I know, for all his drawn sword and fierce
looks; his name is---"
"Wood, madam, at your service!" said Mr. Brock. "I am follower to Mr. Justice Gobble, of
this town: a'n't I, Tim?" said Mr. Brock to the tall halberdman who was keeping the door.
"Yes indeed," said Tim, archly; "we're all followers of his honour Justice Gobble."
"Certainly!" said the one-eyed man.
"Of course!" cried the man in the nightcap.
"I suppose, madam, you're satisfied NOW?" continued Mr. Brock, alias Wood. "You
can't deny the testimony of gentlemen like these; and our commission is to apprehend
all able-bodied male persons who can give no good account of themselves, and enrol
them in the service of Her Majesty. Look at this Mr. Hayes" (who stood trembling in his
shoes). "Can there be a bolder, properer, straighter gentleman? We'll have him for a
grenadier before the day's over!"
"Take heart, John--don't be frightened. Psha! I tell you I know the man" cried out Mrs.
Hayes: "he is only here to extort money."
"Oh, for that matter, I DO think I recollect the lady. Let me see; where was it? At
Birmingham, I think,--ay, at Birmingham,--about the time when they tried to murder
Count Gal--"
"Oh, sir!" here cried Madam Hayes, dropping her voice at once from a tone of scorn to
one of gentlest entreaty, "what is it you want with my husband? I know not, indeed, if
ever I saw you before. For what do you seize him? How much will you take to release
him, and let us go? Name the sum; he is rich, and--"
"RICH, Catherine!" cried Hayes. "Rich!--O heavens! Sir, I have nothing but my hands to
support me: I am a poor carpenter, sir, working under my father!"
