In spite of this determined disbelief on the part of the head of the family, old Wilson remained for a long time a member of the household at Shoulthwaite Moss, following his occupations with constancy, and always obsequious in the acknowledgment of his obligations.  It was observed that he manifested a peculiar eagerness when through any stray channel intelligence was received in the valley of the sayings and doings in the world outside.  Nothing was thought of this until one day the passing pedler brought the startling news that the Lord Protector was dead.  The family were at breakfast in the kitchen of the old house when this tardy representative of the herald Mercury arrived, and, in reply to the customary inquiry as to the news he carried, announced the aforesaid fact.  Wilson was alive to its significance with a curious wakefulness.

“It’s braw tidings ye bring the day, man,” he stammered with evident concern, and with an effort to hide his nervousness.

“Yes, the old man’s dead,” said the pedler, with an air of consequence commensurate with his message.  “I reckon,” he added, “Oliver’s son Richard will be Protector now.”

“A sairy carle, that same Richard,” answered Wilson; “I wot th’ young Charles ’ul soon come by his ain, and then ilka ane amang us ’ul see a bonnie war-day.  We’ve playt at shinty lang eneugh.  Braw news, man—­braw news that the corbie’s deid.”

Wilson had never before been heard to say so much or to speak so vehemently.  He got up from the table in his nervousness, and walked aimlessly across the floor.

“Why are you poapan about,” asked Angus, in amazement; “snowkin like a pig at a sow?”

At this the sinister light in Wilson’s eyes that had been held in check hitherto seemed at once to flash out, and he turned hotly upon his master, as though to retort sneer for sneer.  But, checking himself, he took up his bonnet and made for the door.

“Don’t look at me like that,” Angus called after him, “or, maybe I’ll clash the door in thy face.”

Wilson had gone by this time, and turning to his sons, Angus continued,—­

“Did you see how the waistrel snirpt up his nose when the pedler said Cromwell was dead?”

It was obvious that something more was soon to be made known relative to their farm servant.  The pedler had no difficulty in coming to the conclusion that Wilson was some secret spy, some disguised enemy of the Commonwealth, and perhaps some Fifth Monarchy man, and a rank Papist to boot.  Mrs. Ray’s serene face was unruffled; she was sure the poor man meant no harm.  Ralph was silent, as usual, but he looked troubled, and getting up from the table soon afterwards he followed the man whom he had brought under his father’s roof, and who seemed likely to cause dissension there.

Not long after this eventful morning, Ralph overheard his father and Wilson in hot dispute at the other side of a hedge.  He could learn nothing of a definite nature.  Angus was at the full pitch of indignation.  Wilson, he said, had threatened him; or, at least, his own flesh and blood.  He had told the man never to come near Shoulthwaite Moss again.