'
'Then the fool's cap would have been thine, Eccles. How earnest thou
to let him out? Thou a warder, and ope gate and up portcullis 'twixt
waking and sleeping!'
'Had he wanted in, my lord, it would have been different,' said
Eccles. 'But he only wanted out, and gave the watchword.'
'Where got'st thou the watchword, Mr. Heywood?'
'I will tell thee what I gave for it, my lord. More I will not.'
'What gavest thou then?'
'My word that I would work neither thee nor thine any hurt withal,
my lord.'
'Then there are traitors within my gates!' cried the marquis.
'Truly, that I know not, my lord,' answered Richard.
'Prithee tell me how them gat thee into my house, Mr. Heywood? It
were but neighbourly.'
'It were but neighbourly, my lord, to hang young Scudamore and Tom
Fool for thieves.'
'Tell me how thou gat hold of the watchword, good boy, and I will
set thee free, and give thee thy mare again.'
'I will not, my lord.'
'Then the devil take thee!' said the marquis, rising.
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