Sir John Clavering glared down the chapel, and all the other people
turned to look at them. Now Hugh and his company halted in the open
space where the nave joined the chancel, and said, answering the priest:
"I come hither with my companions bearing the warrant of the King to
seize Edmund Acour, Count de Noyon, and convey him to London, there
to stand his trial on a charge of high treason toward his liege lord,
Edward of England. Yield you, Sir Edmund Acour."
At these bold words the French knights and squires drew their swords and
ringed themselves round their captain, whereon Hugh and his party also
drew their swords.
"Stay," cried old Sir Andrew in his ringing voice. "Let no blood be shed
in the holy house of God. You men of Suffolk, know that you harbour a
foul traitor in your bosoms, one who plots to deliver you to the French.
Lift no hand on his behalf, lest on you also should fall the vengeance
of the King, who has issued his commands to all his officers and people,
to seize Acour living or dead."
Now a silence fell upon the place, for none liked this talk of the
King's warrant, and in the midst of it Hugh asked:
"Do you yield, Sir Edmund Acour, or must we and the burgesses of Dunwich
who gather without seize you and your people?"
Acour turned and began to talk rapidly with the priest Nicholas, while
the congregation stared at each other.
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