Chapter 48

_AINSLIE; afterwards BRODIE; afterwards HUNT and OFFICERS_

AINSLIE. Ca' ye that mainners? Ye're grand gentry by your way o't! Eh sirs, my hench! Ay, that was the Badger. Man, but ye'll look bonnie hangin'! (_A faint whistle._) Lord's sake, what's thon? Ay, it'll be Hunt an' his lads. (_Whistle repeated._) Losh me, what gars him whustle, whustle? Does he think me deaf? (_Goes up. BRODIE enters from office, stands an instant, and sees him making a signal through the arch._)

BRODIE. Rats! Rats! (_Hides L. among lumber. Enter noiselessly through arch HUNT and OFFICERS._)

HUNT. Birds caught?

AINSLIE. They're a' ben the house, mister.

HUNT. All three?

AINSLIE. The haill set, mister.

BRODIE. Liar!

HUNT. Mum, lads, and follow me. (_Exit, with his men, into office. BRODIE seen with dagger._)

HUNT (_within_). In the King's name!

MOORE (_within_). Muck!

SMITH (_within_). Go it, Badger.

HUNT (_within_). Take 'em alive, boys!

AINSLIE. Eh, but that's awfu'. (_The DEACON leaps out, and stabs him. He falls without a cry._)

BRODIE. Saved! (_He goes out by the arch._)