At the bottom of it lies (I am well convinced) not only the desire to keep things quiet, but the paltry jealousy of the military people.

Because I am not a Colonel, forsooth, or a Captain in His Majesty's service, it would never do to trust me with a company of soldiers! And yet they would not send either Colonel or Captain, for fear of a stir in the rustic mind.

The only thing that I can do with any chance of success, is to rout out these vile Doone fellows, and burn their houses over their heads.

Now what think you of that, John Ridd ?' 'Destroy the town of the Doones,' I said, 'and all the Doones inside it! Surely, Jeremy, you would never think of such a cruel act as that!' 'A cruel act, John! It would be a mercy for at least three counties.

No doubt you folk, who live so near, are well accustomed to them, and would miss your liveliness in coming home after nightfall, and the joy of finding your sheep and cattle right, when you not expected it.