Again the man laughed.
"They will have some trouble in proving that," said Robin viciously.
* * * * *
He learned presently whither they were going. He was right in thinking
it to be Derby. There he was to be handed over to the gaoler. The trial
would probably come on at the Michaelmas assizes, five or six weeks
hence. He would have leave to communicate with a lawyer when he was once
safely bestowed there; but whether or no his lawyer or any other
visitors would be admitted to him was a matter for the magistrates.
They ate as they rode, and reached Derby in the afternoon.
At the very outskirts the peculiar nature of this cavalcade was
observed; and by the time that they came within sight of the
market-square a considerable mob was hustling along on all sides. There
were a few cries raised. Robin could not distinguish the words, but it
seemed to him as if some were raised for him as well as against him. He
kept his head somewhat down; he thought it better to risk no
complications that might arise should he be recognised.
As they drew nearer the market-place the progress became yet slower, for
the crowd seemed suddenly and abnormally swelled. There was a great
shouting of voices, too, in front, and the smell of burning came
distinctly on the breeze. The man riding beside Robin turned his head
and called out; and in answer one of the others riding behind pushed his
horse up level with the other two, so that the prisoner had a guard on
either side.
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