And I tell you this,' says he, in his high and mighty way, 'neither Government, nor the spies of Government, dare touch a hair of my head: they know it, sir, for the head of the people's friend!'" "That's quite true," said Mrs.Bowmore, still believing in her husband as firmly as ever.
Amelia went on: "Captain Bervie didn't seem to think so," she said.

"He lost his temper.
'What stuff!' says he; 'there's a Government spy in your house at this moment, disguised as your footman.' My master looked at Mr.Linwood, and burst out laughing.

'You won't beat that, Captain,' says he, 'if you talk till doomsday.' He turned about without a word more, and went home.
The Captain caught Mr.Linwood by the arm, as soon as they were alone.
'For God's sake,' says he, 'don't follow that madman's example!'" Mrs.Bowmore was shocked.

"Did he really call my husband a madman ?" she asked.
"He did, indeed, ma'am--and he was in earnest about it, too.

'If you value your liberty,' he says to Mr.Linwood; 'if you hope to become Charlotte's husband, consult your own safety.