human
This is very dreadful, my dear, whispered Mrs Winthorpe at last.
gpt
Have we some strange robber in the fen?
human
Don't know, said the squire shortly.
gpt
Perhaps some one has a spite against him.
human
How dreadful!
gpt
One of his men perhaps.
human
Or a robber, cried Dick excitedly.
gpt
Why, father, we might get Dave and John Warren and Hicky and some more, and hunt him down.
human
Robbers rob,
gpt
Of course, my dear, said Mrs Winthorpe;
human
But Mr Marston's watch and money are all right, my dear. Depend upon it he has offended one of the rough drain diggers, and it is an act of revenge.
gpt
But the man ought to be punished.
human
Of course, my dear, and we'll have the constables over from town, and he shall be found. It won't be very hard to do.
gpt
Why not, father?
human
Because many of the men have no guns.
gpt
But they might borrow, father?
human
The easier to find out then, said the squire.
gpt
Well, one must eat whether a man's shot or no. History does not say that everybody went without his supper because King Charles's head was cut off. Mother, draw the ale. Dick, tell Sarah to bring in those hot potatoes. I'm hungry, and I've got to sit up all night.