Hall, however, was not the man to let his servant be taken without
protest, even if this Widdrington really had the authority he claimed to
possess. But to all Hall's remonstrances Widdrington merely replied
haughtily that he was accountable to no one, save only to her most
gracious Majesty the Queen; that he was there in the execution of his
duty, and that anyone interfering with him did so at his own peril. The
situation was awkward. On the one hand, if this man really was acting
within his rights and in the execution of his duty, then Hall himself
was likely to get into serious trouble; on the other, he was not going
to see a young man, his own servant, a man, so far as he knew, innocent
of all offence against the law, marched off in this way, if by any means
he might be saved. As mere remonstrances appeared to be of no avail,
Hall hotly pressed his horse close up to Widdrington's, completely
barring his way, and demanded that, if he were really acting within the
law, he should show his authority.
"_This_ is my authority," cried Widdrington, drawing his sword.
"We'll soon prove whether that's strong enough," replied Hall, jumping
from his horse and also drawing his weapon. There was, as it chanced,
close to the lane in which the two had been wrangling, a bit of nice
level ground covered with short, crisp turf, and to this Hall quickly
made his way, followed by Widdrington and by a crowd of people who had
run up from the fair, attracted by the quarrel.
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