Charneck eagerly promised obedience; Smith returned an evasive answer: but the great body of the members of the college firmly declared that they still regarded Hough as their rightful head.
And now Hough himself craved permission to address a few words to the Commissioners.

They consented with much civility, perhaps expecting from the calmness and suavity of his manner that he would make some concession.

"My Lords," said he, "you have this day deprived me of my freehold: I hereby protest against all your proceedings as illegal, unjust, and null; and I appeal from you to our sovereign Lord the King in his courts of justice." A loud murmur of applause arose from the gownsmen who filled the hall.

The Commissioners were furious.

Search was made for the offenders, but in vain.