"0ur information," said Earnscliff; "is positive; we are seekinggoods which have been forcibly carried off, to a great amount."

"And a young woman, that's been cruelly made prisoner, that'sworth mair than a' the gear, twice told," exclaimed Hobbie.

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

"And what will ye do, if I carena to thraw the keys, or draw thebolts, or open the grate to sic a clamjamfrie?" exclaimed the ageddame, scoffingly.

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