CHAPTER XXV. OF STRANGE DOINGS IN THE BOTELER DUNGEON
‘ Take down this fellow’s statement,’ said the Duke to his scrivener. ‘Now, sirrah, it may not be known to you that his gracious Majesty the King hath conferred plenary powers upon me during these troubled times, and that I have his warrant to deal with all traitors without either jury or judge. You do bear a commission, I understand, in the rebellious body which is here described as Saxon’s regiment of Wiltshire Foot? Speak the truth for your neck’s sake.’
‘ I will speak the truth for the sake of something higher than that, your Grace,’ I answered. ‘I command a company in that regiment.’
‘ And who is this Saxon?’
‘ I will answer all that I may concerning myself,’ said I, ‘but not a word which may reflect upon others.’
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