"Sometimes, when he comes home late, he brings someone with him; I have heard voices downstairs.

I have never seen who it was--for what could I have done if I went down ?--but I have heard horses brought round to the stable yard, and heard them ride away:" "It is just as well you told me," the Squire said dryly.

"If you had told me this evening at the house, I would have dropped a brace of pistols into my pocket.

However, this hunting crop is a good weapon; but I don't suppose they will show fight, even if anyone is with him.
Besides, Knapp has a stout oaken cudgel with him--I noticed it standing against his chair as I went in--and as he is a strong active fellow, and we shall have the advantage of a surprise, I fancy we should be a match even for three or four of them." At one o'clock the Squire roused John Knapp.

"It is one o'clock, John; now take off your boots.