You rob me first, and now you would come preaching and whining,
in search mayhap of another field or two for your priestly
friends. Knave! my dogs shall be set upon you; but, meanwhile,
stand out of my path, and stop me at your peril!" As he spoke he
rushed forward, and, throwing the lad to one side, caught the
woman's wrist. Alleyne, however, as active as a young deer-hound,
sprang to her aid and seized her by the other arm, raising
his iron-shod staff as he did so.
"You may say what you will to me," he said between his clenched
teeth--"it may be no better than I deserve; but, brother or no, I
swear by my hopes of salvation that I will break your arm if you
do not leave hold of the maid."
There was a ring in his voice and a flash in his eyes which
promised that the blow would follow quick at the heels of the
word. For a moment the blood of the long line of hot-headed
thanes was too strong for the soft whisperings of the doctrine of
meekness and mercy. He was conscious of a fierce wild thrill
through his nerves and a throb of mad gladness at his heart, as
his real human self burst for an instant the bonds of custom and
of teaching which had held it so long.
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