'Miss Lennox.' Merriman's voice holds all the sternness that comes of years (and years) of teaching, with an additional note of warning against further accusations. 'That will do.'

He crosses the cabin, treading carefully on the boards -- and reaches up to remove the lantern from its hook overheard.

'If you will permit me, Mister Wellard?' He shifts the lantern to his left hand, lowering it to keep the light out of Wellard's direct sight-line. 'I would like to see your head, and where it hurts worst.'

Hurt or bespelled, he will likely know soon enough.