He passed a hand over his brow, as if to brush aside the veil that obscured his wits.

What had happened?
What had he said?
What had Trenchard done?
Why did these fellows stand and gape at him?
He heard his companion's voice, raised to address the company.
"Gentlemen," he heard him say, "I trust there is none present will impute to me any share in such treasonable sentiments as Mr.Westmacott has expressed.

But if there is any who questions my loyalty, I have a convincing argument for him--in my scabbard." And he struck his sword-hilt with his fist.
Then he clapped on his hat, aslant over the locks of his golden wig, and, taking up his whip, he moved with leisurely dignity towards the door.

He looked back with a sardonic smile at the ado he was leaving behind him, listened a moment to the voices that already were being raised in excitement, then closed the door and made his way briskly to the stable-yard, where he called for his horse.

He rode out of Bridgwater ten minutes later, and took the road to Taunton as the moon was rising big and yellow over the hills on his left.