A very short time elapsed before threatening letters began to come
in. Ned paid no heed to them, but quietly went on his way. The
danger was, however, undoubted. The attitude of the Luddites had
become more openly threatening. Throughout the whole of the West
Riding open drilling was carried on.
The mills at Marsden, Woodbottom, and Ottewells were all threatened.
In answer to the appeals of the mill owners the number of troops
in the district was largely increased. Infantry were stationed
in Marsden, and the 10th King's Bays, the 15th Hussars, and the
Scots Greys were alternately billeted in the place. The roads to
Ottewells, Woodbottom, and Lugards Mill were patrolled regularly,
and the whole country was excited and alarmed by constant rumors
of attacks upon the mills.
Ned went on his way quietly, asking for no special protection for
his mill or person, seemingly indifferent to the excitement which
prevailed. Except to the workmen in the mill, to the doctor, and
Mr. Porson he seldom exchanged a word with any one during the day.
Mr. Simmonds and several of his father's old friends had on his
return made advances toward him, but he had resolutely declined to
meet them. Mr. Porson and the doctor had remonstrated with him.
"It is no use," he replied. "They congratulated me on my acquittal,
but I can tell by their tones that there is not one of them who
thoroughly believes in his heart that I am innocent.
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