, where, with a little
sigh, he put away his chess-men, and heartily hoped that it might not be
his favorite adversary who was coming before him to be sent to jail.
For although the good rector had a warm regard, and even affection, for
Robin Lyth, as a waif cast into his care, and then a pupil wonderfully
apt (which breeds love in the teacher), and after that a most gallant
and highly distinguished young parishioner--with all this it was a
difficulty for him to be ignorant that the law was adverse. More than
once he had striven hard to lead the youth into some better path of
life, and had even induced him to "follow the sea" for a short time in
the merchant service. But the force of nature and of circumstances had
very soon prevailed again, and Robin returned to his old pursuits with
larger experience, and seamanship improved.

A violent ringing at the gate bell, followed by equal urgency upon
the front door, apprised the kind magistrate of a sharp call on his
faculties, and perhaps a most unpleasant one. "The poor boy!" he said to
himself--"poor boy! From Carroway's excitement I greatly fear that it is
indeed poor Robin. How many a grand game have we had! His new variety of
that fine gambit scarcely beginning to be analyzed; and if I commit him
to the meeting next week, when shall we ever meet again? It will seem
as if I did it because he won three games; and I certainly was a little
vexed with him. However, I must be stern, stern, stern. Show them in,
Betsy; I am quite prepared."

A noise, and a sound of strong language in the hall, and a dragging of
something on the oil-cloth, led up to the entry of a dozen rough men,
pushed on by at least another dozen.

"You will have the manners to take off your hats," said the magistrate,
with all his dignity; "not from any undue deference to me, but common
respect to his Majesty."

"Off with your covers, you sons of"--something, shouted a loud voice;
and then the lieutenant, with his blade still drawn, stood before them.

"Sheathe your sword, Sir," said Dr. Upround, in a voice which amazed the
officer.

"I beg your Worship's pardon," he began, with his grim face flushing
purple, but his sword laid where it should have been; "but if you knew
half of the worry I have had, you would not care to rebuke me. Cadman,
have you got him by the neck? Keep your knuckles into him, while I make
my deposition."

"Cast that man free, I receive no depositions with a man half strangled