'You're a big man, John,' he said. 'I have some questions for
you. In your part of the country, are there thieves who do a lot of
harm to people?'
'Yes, sir.'
'Why doesn't Lord Wichehalse hang them all? That's what he
should do. He's the judge in that part of the country. Or he could
send the robbers to me and I'll hang them,' said Judge Jeffreys.
'These robbers are from a very good family. They're
dangerous, violent men and their home in the hills is very well
protected. I think Lord Wichehalse is afraid,' I answered.
'What's the name of these people?'
'They're the Doones of Bagworthy forest, sir. We think
there are about forty of them, but that doesn't include the
women and children.'
'Forty Doones!' cried the judge. 'Forty thieves! How long
have they been there?'
'About thirty or forty years, sir,' I answered.
'Did you know that Lord Wichehalse was a friend of the
Doones?' said the judge, fixing his eyes on me.
I was very surprised. The idea was new to me, but I thought
that it could be true.
'John Ridd, your eyes tell me everything I need to know. I see
that you had not thought of it. Now, have you ever seen a man
called Tom Faggus?'
'Yes, sir,' I said, 'I've often seen him. He's my cousin.'
'Tom Faggus is a good man. I know he's a thief — yes — but
he's a good man and loyal to King Charles. But I'm afraid that
another judge - not me - will hang him. Tell him to change his
name and his profession. Now, one other thing. In your part of
the country, are people talking about a rebellion against our
king?'
'No, sir,' I answered. 'We're all quiet, good men and we're loyal
to our king.'
'That's good,' said the judge. 'I like you, John Ridd. Keep away
from the Doones, and from Lord Wichehalse. Say nothing about
what's happened here. I'll send a man to your part of the country
to tell me how things are. Now go. I'll remember you.'