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"Mr. Apparitor, my Lord the Count ventures to ask Your Honour

that you would be so kind as immediately to proclaim before the

gentlemen and brethren the establishment of the Count in the

castle, in the estate of the Soplicas, the village, the sown

fields, the fallow land, in a word, _cum grovibus, forestis et

borderibus; peasantibus, bailiffis, et omnibus rebus et quibusdam

aliis_. You know the formula; so bark it out: don't leave out

anything."

"Mr. Warden, wait awhile," said Protazy boldly, thrusting his

hands into his belt. "I am ready to carry out all the orders of

the contending parties, but I warn you that the act will not be

valid, being extorted by violence and proclaimed by night."

"What violence?" said the Warden. "There is no assault here. Why,

I am asking you politely; if it is too dark for you, then I will

kindle a fire with my penknife so that it will be as bright in

your peepers as in seven churches."