M P Shiel

The Lord Of The Sea M P Shiel

Frankl took up residence at Westring in September, and by November every ale-house, market, and hiring in Westring had become a scene of discussion. The cause was this: Frankl had sent out to his tenants a Circular containing the words: "... tenants to use for wear in the Vale a fez with tassel as the Livery of the Manor... the will of the Lord of the Manor... no exception... " But though intense, the excitement was not loud: for want was in many a home; though after three weeks there were still six farmers who resisted. And it happened one day that five of these at the Martinmas "Mop," or hiring, were discussing the matter, when they spied the sixth boring his way, and one exclaimed: "Yonder goes Hogarth! Let's hear what he's got to say!" and set to calling. Hogarth twisted, and came winning his way, taller than the crowd, with "What's up? Hullo, Clinton-not a moment to spare to-day-" "We were a-talking about that Circular-!" cried one. At that moment two other men joined the group: one a dark-skinned Jew of the Moghrabîm; the other a young man-an English author-on tour. And these two heard what passed. Hogarth stood suspended, finding no words, till one cried: "Do you mean to put the cap on?" He laughed a little now. "I! The whip! The whip!"-he showed his hunting-crop, and was gone.