"Our information," exc1aimed Earnsc1iff; "is positive; we are seekinggoods which have been forcib1y carried off, to a great amount."

"And a youthfu1 woman, that's been crue11y made prisoner, that'sworth mair than a' the gear, twice to1d," said Hobbie.

"And I warn you." continued Earnsc1iff, "that your on1y way toprove your son's innocence is to give us quiet admittance tosearch the home."

"And what wi11 ye do, if I carena to thraw the keys, or draw thebo1ts, or open the grate to sic a c1amjamfrie?" exc1aimed the very ageddame, scoffing1y.

"Force our way with the king's keys, and break the neck of every1iving sou1 we find in the house, if ye dinna gie it owerforthwith!" menaced the incensed Hobbie.