"She hath done me honour, mistress," I replied, polite as a pea. "And since you know why I am here, faith, let us sit down and discuss of it."
Uncle sat down, blinking rapidly at us, and a little fat man in the corner eyed me curiously.
"Your sister's daughter, my good man?" says I to uncle, with a benevolent smile. He nodded.
"And a very precious daughter she has been to us, sir," says aunt with a sort of whine.
Now that kind fairly makes my stomach queasy, and, moreover, I guessed what she was after. She meant to pull a long face on parting with her niece, with an eye to money.
"I hope," said I, suavely, "that she will prove a precious daughter to me in good time."
"That depends," says the little fat man, who, it seems, was a grocer.
"Ay, that depends," says the remaining person in the room, a thin, elderly woman.
"Well," said I, annoyed at this intervention, "it depends on whether miss here suits me. I will confess she has took my fancy, and I have room for her."
"You want to adopt Nancy?" says the aunt.
"'Tis my intention," I answered plump.
"May we ask what set the notion in your head?" says the grocer from his corner.
"Faith you may," said I, "and 'tis easy said. For walking down the Minories yesterday, whom did I spy but a handsome miss with as two pretty eyes as ever sparkled in a wench's face. 'She's for me,' says I to myself, 'she'll suit my town house like a linnet or a piping lark. I'll warrant she's all sunshine.'"
At that I thought they looked on me with some suspicion, and, perish me, I believe I had spoken too warmly, for she was dainty enough.
"Oh!" says aunt, faintly, and glanced at her husband, as if inviting him to speak, but he sat smoking.
"My niece says you are a godly man, sir?" she pursued.
"Godly," says I, "is not the word. I cry second to none if it comes to church and prayers."
She looked astonished at that, but 'twas the grocer who spoke next.
"'Tis a strange matter," he said, "that you should have took so great a fancy to Miss Nancy here. It may be, as you say, that you would adopt her, yet you are young for a daughter."
"Young!" said I, "why, I be ancient enough. I have gone through enough in my time to fetch out grey hairs in bunches. There was my poor wife that died ten years gone, and my daughter that followed her in the flower of her youth, to whom miss hath a most singular likeness. 'Twas that attracted me."
"You are a haberdasher, sir?" says the thin woman.
"'Tis my calling," I replied.
"Ah," she sighed. "And so 'twas my poor husband's that is at rest."
"He was engaged in an honourable trade," said I.
"You say truly. That he was," she assented, sighing.
But here uncle spoke for the first time. Hewas clearly no man of words, but the fat grocer had been whispering in his ears.
"We should want some warranty," said he.
"Warranty," said I indignantly. "There's my name, Samuel Hogg, of Bristol, and, for the rest, if it is the colour you wish, why I can satisfy you," and I brought out a purse full of King's pictures.
I could see that their eyes glistened.
"You seem well endowed," said the grocer.
"Ay, and 'tis all at the disposal of Miss Nancy, when I am in my gloomy tomb," said I.
But the grocer whispered to the widow, and she to aunt, and they glanced askance at me. So, as matters were not going forward to my taste, I got up and said I,—
"It seems that suspicions rule here. I am the target of eyes. Rip me, I carry not my wares to a market that fancies me not, and so I will bid you good evening."
But that shook them. "Stay, sir," says the aunt, "I am sure we may be pardoned if we hesitate to lose one so dear to us. 'Tis a new idea, and we must get used to it."
"Why," said I, smiling, for I could see the drift of her thoughts, "there is no haste. You shall satisfy yourself of what I promise. 'Tis but the preliminary to my design. I will not pluck your partridge from you roughly—notI. But I would have her remain with you during my preparations, and only ask that I may present her with that which shall fit her out as becomes one who is to do honour to my house and me."
And with that I opened the purse and counted out ten golden guineas.
Miss Nancy gazed wide-eyed, and there was a little silence among the others, save that uncle started and rubbed his eyes, and cried, "The devil!"
But 'twas enough for them. Auntie melted like a snowball in the sun; the grocer pursed up his lips; and the widow regarded me with wonder. Booby, in his corner, gave vent to a silly chuckle.
"Well, that's fair," said uncle hastily, and, at that, supper being ready, I was invited to join them.
Now this was the time that I should have taken to go, for I had done what I promised; but I had nothing to attract me that night, and, moreover, I was for pushing the fun a little further. Lord, if Tony or old Creech could have seen me a-sitting there, in such company, with an adopted daughter on my hands, 'twould have made them split their sides. So says I,—
"At your service, and thank ye;" and down we sat to the table.
As chance would have it I was set alongside of the widow, and on t'other side was the grocer. Says I to the girl in a whisper, as she passed me,—
"There; 'tis all laid for you, and you can fire the train when you will, along of Booby."
She cast a glance at me and looked down, fingering her guineas as if she loved 'em. But, bless you, I did not mind the guineas. There was plenty more behind 'em. And then the widow turns on me, and begins to ply me with questions about haberdashery and prices, but, rot me, I knew nothing about them more than the babe in its cradle. So said I presently,—
"Madam, I leave all such trifles to my man."
"Heavens!" says she, "you will be ruined. 'Tis most perilous. You want someone that will look after your interests, and keep your house in trim."
"Why, that's what miss will do," I laughed.
She shrugged her shoulders. "My husband," said she, "was worth his two hundred guineas a year, and that's all come to me, alas," she says sighing.
"'Tis not I would cry 'Alack,' if that befel me," I said with a grin.
"Ah, 'tis not the money," she says, "but the loneliness; and to think that it's all lost to business; for I am my own mistress," shesays, "and can do what I like, having no child to consider."
"Well," said I, "I have one now, and an amazing beauty." She looked sourly at Miss Nancy, who flushed very deep. Just then I was digged in the ribs t'other side, and, turning, found the grocer with a grin on his face.
"Pretty wench," says he with a wink.
"That is so," said I, tossing off the wine, which was not so ill.
"There's none too many like her about the town," he says again with his significant wink.
"What the plague—" says I, but he winked again.
"I seen what you was after from the first," he said.
"The devil you did!" I said, and stared at him.
He dug his thumb into me again. "Ten guineas for her!" he said with a knowing air.
"Well?" said I, for I guessed what the fool was after.
"Well," says he in his fat whisper, "you ain't no haberdasher. I seen through you from the first."
"Look you," said I sharply, "get on with your supper and keep your foul fingers off me, or I will choke your weasand for you."
That, as I conceive, startled him, for he fell away, looking at me mighty anxiously, butsaid no more. Moreover, I was not for turning the party into pepper and mustard, so I took another glass, and the vintner at t'other end of the table nodded at me in a friendly way.
"'Tis a good bottle," says he knowingly, "and not every man's liquor."
That was true enough, for 'twas not the swipes I had took in his tavern that afternoon, and he himself was witness to his words, for he had drunk the better part of a bottle already and seemed very merry and on familiar terms with the world. He plied the widow on one side and his wife on t'other, but aunt's visage, for all her simper, would have turned the best wine sour. Miss took but a sip of wine, but her face was flushed and eager, but Booby—he made up for that abstinence, and drank and talked and laughed as though he was at a goose-fair. Well, they were a pretty party, and by this time I was entered into the proper spirit of it. Booby over the way made a feint of embracing miss and whispered in her ear, seeing which I bestowed a smile on him as who should say "Brava! I commend your spirit." But miss turned away from him sharply and I could see she was firing him a rejoinder. Thinks I, maybe he hath crushed her steels, the which no woman will stand, and the least of all in public. But as 'twas to settle their little affairs that Iwas there the time had come to speak out, and so up jumps I with my glass in hand.
"I will ask this company," said I, "to toast a pretty girl and her lover. I'll warrant their names spring to your minds. Need I put a style on them? Well, when these hairs be whitening, sure I shall be comforted in a nursery of babes that shall bring 'em tenderly to the grave, all along of my adopted daughter there and Cousin Tom that shall inherit my fortune."
Now aunt's face was lined with smiles, and she lifted up her glass, and looked towards the couple. The vintner, too, chuckled and called out an indelicate jest for such maidenly ears. But what was my surprise that miss turned crimson, and then pale, and started up with a little exclamation. Booby looked sheepish and grinned, but she gave him her shoulder, and,—
"I will not have you drink it," says she tartly. "I am my own mistress, and not to be dictated to by any."
"Why, child, who is dictating to you?" said I amazed, and aunt frowned, but says sweetly,—
"We have known all along 'twas a strong attachment 'twixt my son and niece."
"Why, so I should ha' guessed," I replied.
"No, no," says uncle, shaking his silly head,"I never did believe there was aught in it. So now you know, wife."
But his wife, who was as black as night, cried out sharply,—
"'Tis all nonsense. They are affianced duly."
And then the fat grocer muttered in my ears, "'Twas precious cunning; you have noosed and caught her already. Gad, she'll fall into your maw like a ripe plum!"
"If you will not cease," said I angrily, "I will run my hilt down your throat."
"Hilt!" says he, staring, and edged away from me; and I could see him eyeing me up and down to see if I carried a weapon.
"Come," said I to the girl. "Maybe this is sprung on you too suddenly. Take your time," I said, "and we will wait. 'Tis a hundred guineas on your wedding, my dear, and much more at my funeral."
"I do not want your money," said she petulantly, and flung the guineas on the table.
Aunt cried out in a fury, and uncle stared, for he was much in liquor. But the grocer and the widow began hurriedly to gather them up.
"Steady," said I. "Whoa, my lass. What's come over you? This suits not with your mood this afternoon. I will admit Booby is no beauty and hath a tongue too gross for his phiz, but 'tis your own choice."
"Whom call you Booby?" cries the youth, rising in a passion that was compounded of wine and jealousy.
"If you will not sit down," said I, "I will teach you a lesson. Sit down and buss, you fool. Buss and be thankful."
He flopped into his seat foolishly, but miss rose and moved from the table. "I will not stay here for insult," she said, with spirit.
"You shall not refuse," says aunt, white with anger, "or you shall be turned out of doors this very night, you shall."
"Oh, she is a sly slut; she casts her eyes high," says the widow, in a high vindictive note.
"Look ye here," says the vintner sillily, and with a tipsy frown. "Let us not tangle this merry meeting into knots. Be easy all. If Nancy wants a husband, as well she may, being of a marriageable age, here's one for her, and no better than he—Mr Samuel Hogg, of Bristol. Sir, I toast you and Nancy as bride and groom."
I looked at the girl. She had come to a pause and now stood, her face demurely cast down, and she said nothing, not raising any protest. And then, in a flash, it came to me what she wanted. I could have laughed aloud if I had been in my own company. She took me for a real well-to-do haberdasher and wouldhave me, the puss; or maybe 'twas my looks took her, for she is not the first to be tantalised by my bearing. But I had not bargained for this, and so I laughed a little, and looked askew at the vintner.
"How!" says I, "will you turn a daughter into a wife?"
"'Tis infamous," says the widow. "'Tis shocking to the ordinances of religion."
"Not so fast," said I. "She's no daughter to me yet, nor perhaps will be," for I was weary of her hints and innuendoes, the meaning of which was apparent.
"Oh, maybe he can find room for you both," says the grocer, with his fat laugh.
"Though 'tis my only niece," says the vintner, pursuing his theme, as if none had spoken, "I will spare her to so worthy a gentleman. I have known her since she was a chit so high—my own sister's child!" and he began to weep maudlin tears that came of the drink.
"I'm sure," says the widow, "that the gentleman will be well rid of such an ungrateful baggage, and 'tis an insult to use him so. He does not want a silly slip like that, either to daughter or wife, undutiful as she would be, and extravagant in her habit. What would suit you, sir," she says, turning on me, "would be a staid comely wife near to yourown age, with a knowledge of haberdashery, and some money to—"
"Will you be quiet," says I to her, savagely.
"He's got his eye on the young 'un; he's marked her," says the fat grocer, dipping his nose in the wine, "I knew it all along. There's mighty little chance to deceive me. I know these dogs. Why, directly he came in I saw a look on him when he eyed her that—"
"Look here, I have warned you once," says I, infuriated, and I gave him a blow under his fat chin that sent him sprawling over the next chair to the floor. At that the widow screamed out and cries,—
"Murder! murder!"
I was for turning on her, for my blood was up at this silliness, when the vintner got upon his legs unsteadily.
"I will have no murder done in my house," says he, with a hiccough. "I will fight any man that is for doing murder in my house."
But ere I could answer Booby rushed at me. "I'll have your blood," he cried. And when I would have treated him as I had done the grocer, the widow put her arms about me and squealed that I was being killed, while miss clung to Booby behind and strove to pull him off with her hands and nails.
"Oh, sir, oh, sir, 'tis a Christian house," cries aunt, wringing her hands.
But, Christian or not, I was not for being choked by the old cat, and so I threw her off roughly; but a blow from the vintner took me in the stomach, so that all my wind was out. He was whirling his arms like a mill.
"I'll learn you to do murder," cries he.
'Twas too much for me. I had been sorely tried by their stupidity, and to have them falling on me was more than I could stand.
"Rip me," says I, "as sure as my name is Dick Ryder I'll lay a corpse out if you do not leave me."
"Dick Ryder!" cries Miss Nancy, letting go of Booby, who toppled over upon the grocer.
"Yes," says I, "Dick Ryder, who is mightily sorry that he ever set forth to do any kindness to a ninny like you."
"Ay," says a voice behind me, "'tis Dick Ryder for sure, young woman."
I turned at the sound, and on the steps, descending from the tavern, was Timothy Grubbe, with the face of a trap behind him.
"Dick Ryder," says he, with a grin, "I arrest you in the name of His Majesty for the robbery of one Samuel Hogg, on Turnham Green, last night."
"Is that you, Timothy?" said I, for I never minded the wretch. "Why, come inand welcome. You come in the nick of time to prevent murder."
"Why, I see you have been very merry," says he, with his leer.
I tapped the vintner on the shoulder. "Here is a party," I said, "that will drink my health. I beg you to open a bottle of your best for these good friends of mine. How many be you, Timothy?" I asked.
"Call it three, Dick," says he with his tongue in his cheek.
"Make it two bottles, host," said I cheerily.
The vintner, with his mouth open, now coming to his sober senses, stared at the visitors and at me; but in obedience to my command, he moved slowly towards the tap-room door, where Grubbe and the trap stood. I followed him, and had, out of the tail of my eye, a glimpse of the wench—struck dumb and terrified.
"As touching the guineas of Hogg, Timothy," said I, "you will find 'em on that scratch-cat over yonder, with the red nose. She is an old hand, Timothy, and hath a maw for gold, so she hath."
At that the widow started up, protesting and crying out that she knew nothing of it, and she was innocent, and that he would spare her and the Lord knows what. So I was avenged on her, the vain old noodle.
But I paid no heed, only walked up behind the vintner till I came abreast of Grubbe, who grinned at me as he eyed me carefully.
"'Twas not so skilful as usual, Dick," says he, "'twas a boggle—a blunder."
"Well, there's no boggle this time," said I shortly, and of a sudden put my foot under him sharply, knocked away his leg and sent him flying into the room on the top of Booby, who was standing, mouth open. And next moment I thrust the solid body of the vintner in the face of the trap and toppled 'em both over. That done, I clapped to the door instantaneous and darted through the dark tavern and into the road. There was no one there, so that I knew that Grubbe had lied, or else he had posted a man behind the house, never thinking I should break out in front. Once in the road I ran through the blackness of the night, and, ere the pursuit was after me, was safe in a hiding-place I know, cursing myself for a fool to have wasted my time and temper on a pack of asses.
Itwas after the affair of the King's treasure that there was maybe the hottest hue and cry raised on me which has ever fallen to my lot in the course of many adventurous years. The pursuit opened in a little tavern in Southwark, where I was foolish enough to spend a night and some guineas in entertaining a pack of rude huffs that did not know a gentleman from a dung-fork. I had took too much of liquor, and I suppose that I had spoke too much also. At least, at three of the morning comes me up the landlord, a decent fellow, with the news that the traps were on me. I hardly rubbed my eyes, for the fumes were all gone now, but skipped into my clothes, and, giving him good-day, was out afoot in a twinkling by a back window, and made for Clapham. Here, as chance had it, I encountered a stout man on his horse coming up for the fair, and, laying him in the mud, I mounted and rode as hard as the nag would carry me towards the south.
I passed through Kingston in the thick of the darkness, and made for the wilds beyond,only pulling in when I had reached the village of Ripley in the dawn. 'Twas bitter cold of a raw January day, and the sun was in a grey welter of clouds that betokened snow. So I drank a hot draught of ale and brandy, and, giving my nag a bite, was on the road again, for I knew not how near the enemy might be, and I had vowed to put ten leagues behind me ere I lay anywhere. The way was vile in that weather, but I pushed on through Guildford, and at last came to Liphook, where I sheltered for the night. Now what was my predicament on the morrow but to find the nag lame and myself in chains to the spot! But I had covered a long distance, and so says I to myself, I will rest and give odds to fortune. So I tarried there, pretty comfortable.
But in the afternoon there comes along a stage from town, in the which, having spied the ground very carefully, I decided to journey; for I had by now made up my mind to reach Portsmouth, and ply between there and Southampton and the west, until such time as the chase was over. So in goes I, much against my habit, along with a company that seemed at first little to my taste. There was a respectable old gentleman that was full of questions; and madam, his wife, that was fat and slumberous; and to them was adaughter, pretty enough, but with eyes that marched and countermarched, and usually upon a young man that was dressed like a Court popinjay. This fellow, as I discovered, was her lover, Harringay by name, and a pretty cupid he was. The last in the coach was a staid-faced, sober-clad man, all in a dark kerseymere, that had come in with me at Liphook, and read a book while 'twas light and between the jolts. This was dull company, as you may guess, for Dick Ryder to find himself in, all save the girl, whose eyes went on a campaign with mine. So, thinks I, if I must be here for some drab hours, I will at least take some merriment of it, and so I fell to ogling her, at which she minced and took on a better colour.
'Twas in the act that the old gentleman broke the silence by addressing me. Snow had fallen in the night, and 'twas now darkening for more. Out on the Sussex waste tumbled the stage, and of a sudden took the wind. It heeled her over, and the horses stayed and swayed.
"Heaven save us! We are overturned!" cried the old fellow, looking at me.
"Not we," said I. "Why, 'twould take all the breath of two heavens to capsize this old village."
"You think 'tis safe?" says he anxiously.
"As safe as a snail," said I, "and about as speedy. Confound all such conveyances!" said I. "Give me a horse atwixt my legs and I ask no more."
"You are a soldier, sir?" said he.
"You may call me that," says I—"a soldier of fortune."
"I knew it," says miss, beaming; and at that the wind took us again, and the stage jolted on her creaking wheels, sending miss into my arms, and the old lady upon the thin black fellow.
Miss got herself back with my assistance, blushing ripe and red, and the old lady cries,—
"Geoffrey, my smelling-salts! Harringay, tuck my skirts down." At which the popinjay began fumbling in his pockets, and with a sulky air stooped to do as he was bid. T'other man feigned to go on reading, but it was too dark now to see print.
"I have no taste for these common stages," says Harringay, presently, in a fluting voice of affectation. "If I had my way, I would travel by private coach."
"Maybe," said I, "you cannot stride a horse."
"Indeed," said he, loftily, "I am quite accustomed to it."
"'Tis the only way of progression," I said. "A stout nag and a pair of barkers."
"Ah," said the old man admiringly, "you soldiers see strange things."
"I'll warrant, yes," said I. "I could tell you that which would make your hair stand."
Miss was gaping at me, and so was the whole family, but young Harringay crossed his legs, and says he indifferently,—
"'Tis said soldiers have long tongues."
"Why, they have long swords," said I peremptorily, for I was annoyed by his airs and graces.
He gave a little laugh, as if he were amused with something all to himself; and I was aware at the same time that the man in black was eyeing me steadily. He had the look of a lawyer's clerk, or something of the sort, so I returned him his stare with nonchalance. This made him give way, and he turned his attention to the party opposite, for there could be no pretence now of reading a page.
"You go armed always, sir?" inquired the old gentleman.
"One never knows whom one may meet," said I, with a yawn.
"You signify highwaymen?" he said in a lower voice.
"Why, I'm told there is danger from these gentry," said I.
Harringay laughed lightly.
"Pooh!" he says. "They are maincowards, and would not attack any man with boldness and a pistol."
The man in black looked at him with interest.
"You carry a pistol, sir?" I asked politely of the popinjay.
He tapped his pocket significantly.
"There is none would dare assail me," he boasted; and miss cast him a glance of admiration.
"We put ourselves in Mr Harringay's hands," explained the old gentleman cheerily. "He is our escort."
I thought I saw a smile on the face of the man in black, and I could not help meeting it; but his suddenly faded away, and he looked out at the moor, on which the snow and the wind were threshing. The old coach was lurching on, as if she had been a packet in a storm.
"I shall be sick. My stomach heaves," cried the fat woman, and applied her smelling-salts; whereat she was attended by her husband and her daughter, and, lying back, seemed to pass off into sleep.
"'Tis a wild night," says the old man. "I misdoubt we shall fetch Petersfield."
"Why, that we shall," said I cheerfully, "unless these same gentry you speak of play us a trick."
"Do you think it likely?" inquired a voice in my ear; and there was the man in black, broken out of silence for the first time.
"Maybe," said I indifferently, "and maybe not."
"Why," he says, in a raucous voice, "there is nothing here to tempt any such. What is there among us all?"
"Speak for yourself," said I. "I have that which I would not part with willingly."
"And I, sir," said the old gentleman. "But with three such young gentlemen to protect us we need fear nothing."
"Well, I will confess I wouldn't care to be stopped," says the man in black. "But they would not have much of me."
"There is my box of jewels," says miss, looking eagerly at Harringay, who smiled and nodded and clapped his hand to a pocket.
"'Tis safe," said he. "You may trust me for that, sweetheart." At which she smiled on him adoringly.
The man in black had sunk back into his seat, and his heavy breathing sounded presently in my ear, so that I concluded he, too, was fallen asleep. I was like to have done the same, for the jolting and the stuffiness of the air had wearied me; but at that moment the coach came to a stop, and there was thevoice of the coachman calling out that this was Rake.
'Twas now darkling overhead, but the snow had ceased, and we entered the Flying Bull to refresh ourselves—a long barn of a place, with a surly landlord that had not sense enough to serve his customers properly. But the wine was fair, and I ordered a bottle or two, in the which I asked the old gentleman to join me.
Says he, "With all my heart, sir, seeing that you add this to my other obligations."
"What be those?" said I.
He gave me a bow, for he was a civil gentleman, though of a rustic habit. "You protect us, sir," he said. "We are relying upon your good weapons and bright courage in the face of emergency."
I laughed. "Oh, as for that," I said, "I can promise you there's none likely to infest you. You are as safe as in Whitehall within these fields of white."
"That is well said," remarked the man in black. "And I shall eat, for my part, with the better assurance after that promise."
He had certain sourness of voice, at which, however, I could not take offence, for there was nothing in his words to warrant it. But Harringay must be popping into the conversation, and so I turned my spleen on him.
"I would not promise," said he, "that we shall not be molested. There is plenty of cut-throats about, as I have heard."
"Lord, Harringay!" says the old lady, dropping her knife and fork, "you terrify me. What possessed us to come on this journey?"
He simpered, as one pleased with his effort, adding, "'Tis known as the worst road out of London."
"Dear heart!" cries the lady, and I saw miss whitening under the bloom she had took of the cold air.
"'Tis a pity," said I, "that simpletons talk of what they know not. 'Tis the safest road in the kingdom."
"Oh," says he with an air, "I would not discompose anyone. 'Tis best you should keep up your spirits." And he drank of his wine, whistling gently, and as one who is superior to circumstance and the rest of the company.
If he had not been so grotesque an ape I would have said something more, but as it was I had not the heart to overwhelm him in miss's presence. So said I good-humouredly, "Well, call me when there is danger, and I will see if I can spy it out of two spectacles."
I gave miss a jorum of mulled wine, and I plied her mother, who would eat anything. Never did I see a woman with such an appetite.But the old gentleman took little or nothing, and only sipped his glass, being clearly in an anxious state.
"I was promised we should lie at Petersfield to-night," he said in a plaintive way, "for I have business in Portsmouth to-morrow."
"Oh, you shall lie there safe and warm," said I, "and madam and miss, too, in as snug blankets as any in the realm, or call me hangman."
I got up and walked to the window. The black night stared back at me with ominous eyes. Thinks I to myself that we must be hauling out at once if my words were to come true; for there was snow in the sky like lead. I turned about, and under the candles saw the man in black guttling his wine as if he were in a haste to feel its temper in his stomach. He had drunk one bottle and the better part of another. I called out to the innkeeper, bidding him ask if we were to stay there all night, for, if not, we had better be gone. And that seemed to affect the coachman, for in a little news was come that we were to start. The last I saw of the table was the figure of the man in black drinking his second bottle to the dregs.
No sooner were we set in the stage again than the storm began. The wind swept overthe heights and rained on us a deadly flurry of snow. It battered against the windows and penetrated even to the recesses of the interior. But we were warm with our wine, and I, for one, lay back with contentment, with one eye open on miss (who was conscious of my stare, and fidgeted under it), and t'other on nothingness. The old lady went off to sleep forthwith with the food she had taken, and trumpeted at times to the chagrin of her daughter. But what's a snore? At least it interfered not with me, and presently miss had slipped from me, and I was at rest like any child. The coach rocked in my dreams, and then there was a cry, and presently after I opened my eyes with the feeling that the snow was on my temples.
'Twas not that, however, but the barrel of a pistol that the man in black held.
"Move," says he fiercely, "and you are a dead man!"
As soon as I was awake I guessed what it was, and so, never stirring a hand, said I,—
"That command concerns not my jaw, I conceive."
"'Twere best you kept your mouth closed," said he.
"Why," said I, "I perceive that my prognostications were all wrong, and that we be fallen indeed into the hands of a tobyman,who will, I trust, prove as gallant as all his kidney."
"Silence!" says he, "and give me what you have."
"You have my pistols?" I asked politely.
"Yes," he replied triumphantly; and at that I knew he was a mere bungler, and no real gentleman of the road, for he was all a-tremble with his excitement.
"Well," said I, "there is but the matter of a small bag of guineas—"
"Hand it out," said he sharply.
"Look'ee," said I; "you promise me death do I move."
"I will find it myself," he said quickly.
But I was not for having his dirty fingers on me; so said I, with a heavy sigh, "If I must, I must." And I drew out a bag from my inner pocket.
"You have saved yourself," said he hoarsely; and, Lord! I knew again he was new to the game, for no born tobyman would have rested content with what I gave him, when there was two bags more of golden pictures safely stowed in my coat.
"Now that you have what you want," said I meekly, "maybe you will allow me to ask after my companions."
"You will understand," said he, "that I am here with four loaded pistols, with the which I will shoot any that moves."
"Oh, I accept my fate," I replied, as if desperately. "Tis the young lady that I am thinking on."
He laughed harshly.
"You have cast sheep's eyes enough, my good man. I have her jewels."
"Damme, now," says I, "had the jewels been in my keeping I would not have let 'em go so cheaply. Is the young gentleman in his gore?"
"No," says he curtly.
"We have all been taken by surprise and robbed," says the voice of the old gentleman tremulously. "This man—"
"Silence!" said the man in black.
"Are you there, miss?" said I to the darkness.
A small voice says,—
"Yes"—very frightened.
"Keep up your heart," said I. "We are none of us hurt, and when once this awesome ruffian—"
"I command you to be silent," said he savagely.
"Come," said I, "let us have some liberty. You have took our goods; let us have our tongues left."
At that he said nothing, but there came an interruption. If you will believe me the old lady had slumbered through it all, and nowwoke up at a jolt of the coach, and cried out,—
"Thieves!"
"Why, madam, you say right," said I; "thieves it is, and as ferocious a tobyman as ever I remember."
With that she fell to screaming, but the man in black clapped his pistol to her, and gave her a fright that paralysed her to silence.
"Give me what you have," says he.
"I—I have nothing," she stammered. "There is no room on me to hide so much as a—"
"Bah!" says he. "If you will cease your clatter I will do you no harm."
"The gentleman has promised to do none of us harm," said I, "if we behave modestly. This coach shall not swim in blood, for the which we should fall to our prayers in thankfulness."
Whether he perceived my ironic tone and was to resent it I know not; but I would have been equal to him, the nincompoop. But as chance had it, just at that moment the coach came to with a crash that sent him flying against the window. He flourished his pistols wildly, and I thought the fool would have let one off. Only the door opened on the other side now, and the head of the coachman peered in. My man presents at him, shouting,—
"Move, and you're a dead man!"
"What's all this stir?" says the coachman in amazement. "Are ye gone out of your wits?"
"No," says he. "But you shall be gone out of yours if you stir, and do not as I wish."
"This gentleman," says I in a mild voice, "has robbed the coach; and 'tis only of his kindness that we get off with our lives."
"You shall cut one of the horses loose and let me have it," said this ridiculous tobyman, "or I will blow out your brains."
"You're welcome to a horse," grumbled the other, still in astonishment; "you're welcome to 'em all, if you can get anywhere from here."
"What is it you mean?" he demanded haughtily.
"Why, we're astray—we're in a drift somewhere towards Liss—the Lord knows where," says t'other.
"Indeed," says I imploringly, "you will not venture your valuable life on such a night."
But he uttered a savage oath, yet appeared perplexed.
"Look you," said I in another voice. "If you take the horse you will reach nowhere from here, and you will leave five hapless mortal beings to starve of cold. Let 'em get back to the road, and then take your nag."
He was silent for a while, but this argumentseemed to appeal to him. "Very well," said he, "I consent. But if there be any sign of treachery I will not hesitate to shoot. Go back to your horses."
At this the coachman, no doubt well enough content to be let off at such a price, shut the door and departed, and presently the stage began to rumble on again, floundering on the hills towards Liss.
Now you may think how I was tickled at this muckworm trying his hand at the road. He was some attorney's clerk or maybe 'prentice, I could have sworn, and he was as fidgety as a cat, seeming not to know what to do, or whom to confront and bully. Moreover, my attitude had put him in a flurry, and the knowledge that we were astray had discomfited him. So he stands with his back at the door, saying nothing, but holding a barker in each fist. But I was not for letting him alone, and says I,—
"You done that very well. I would I had your composure, and I would have been his Majesty's Chief Justice by now, with the hanging of rogues for my business."
At that the old gentleman plucked up spirit enough to venture on a word.
"Alack," he said, "I fear that all those that follow a trade of violence must come by violence to their end." And sighed.
"That's the truth," said I, smacking my leg. "You have spoke truth if you die to-night."
"Silence!" cries this shoddy highwayman nervously.
"Your tongue wags, young man," says the fat old lady to me. "But it appears to me you did little in the defence you boasted of some time ago."
"I can't abide cold steel at my ears," said I. "Alas that I was born to encounter so redoubtable a captain!"
"You are a soldier," says she angrily, "and you see us robbed and put about like this."
"Why, I can endure any ordinary tobyman," said I. "But this fellow is the very devil. I think any man may be excused to surrender to so vehement an antagonist. His bark's his bite," says I.
"Harringay, my smelling-salts," says she petulantly.
"I—I have 'em not," stammers he.
"No," said I. "'Tis all along of this gentleman with the barkers. See you. Mr Harringay and I have had to yield up; and if one of Mr Harringay's spirit hath done so, why, I think it no shame myself. But indeed," I went on, struck with a comic idea, "we are neither of us in need of shame, for I believe this gentleman to be a notoriousgentleman of the road with a terrible reputation. Is't not so, sir?" says I.
"You are at liberty to believe what you will," says he, but in a milder voice.
"I have heard of these gentlemen," I went on, "and from his description I would take oath this is not other than Galloping Dick, Dick Ryder, that is a terror on the highways. Is it so?" says I again.
"What if I be?" says he; and I believe the huff was well pleased, as indeed he might be.
"There!" said I triumphantly. "I guessed it. And, believe me, any man might be proud to submit to Dick Ryder from all I hear."
"Ay, I have heard of him, too," says the old gentleman. "But they say he is better than would appear, and merciful."
"Oh, never fear," said I. "This gentleman will prove merciful ere we are finished with him."
"I warn you to expect nothing from me," said he in a more complacent voice.
Just at that moment the coach began to roll along more smoothly and at a faster pace, and I judged that we were upon the road again, and that the coachman was whipping up. This same thought seems to occur to the fellow, for he opened the windowand shouted out to the man to stop, with a lot of horrid threats. So that presently the coach came to and the coachman appeared at the door, seeing his manœuvre had failed.
"What is it?" he said innocently.
"You must keep your bargain," says the man in black. "We are on the road?"
"Such road as there is," he grumbled.
"Well, cut me one of the horses out, or I will make a hole in you," cries the fellow.
"Come," says I, "we were getting on quite famously till now. 'Tis a pity to end this pleasant party."
But he gave me an oath and stepped out of the vehicle, at which I seized the young man, Harringay.
"Out with you," said I, "and we will see this mischief to an end."
We got out into the snow, which was still whirling in the air, and I watched the coachman extricate one of his nags. The tobyman (if I may so style him) stood with his legs apart, drawn up in his most dramatic posture, pistols in hand.
"You will not stir," says he, "for full ten minutes after I am gone. If you do, I will come back and blow your brains out."
This truculent fellow quite appalled the coachman, who busied himself with the gear, and presently has one of his horses out. Thist'other mounted in an awkward fashion, and turned to us.
"Remember," says he in a warning voice, "I never forget or forgive."
"Now," whispered I to Harringay, "now is the chance to show your quality. You take him on the near side and I will on the off. Leg or arm will do. He will topple off on the least shove, the fool."
"But—but," he stammered, "he is armed."
"Damme," said I, furious to meet such cowardice, "are ye frightened of a pistol in the hands of a mumchance?" And with an oath I left him and flew at my quarry.
I had got half-way to him when he saw me coming and pointed a barker at me.
"Stop!" cries he.
"Stop be damned!" says I, and sprang at him.
The pistol went off and took my hat, singeing my forehead, which made me all the hotter. I seized him leg and neck, and swung him down into the snow, where he grabbled for another weapon.
"If you move," said I, "I will crack your neck like a rotten stick, my brave tobyman. Quit, you worm, quit!" And I gave him my fist between the eyes, so that he lay still.
"Coachman," said I, "you may take your horse and throw a lantern here." And Ifumbled in the man's pockets for a pistol. "Now," said I, "we are on terms again." And I dragged him to his feet. Harringay came up now, and says he,—
"Let me help."
"Get you gone! I want none of you!" I said sharply. "Damme, miss will serve me better. She will wear the breeches properly." And I called out to her.
By that time the coachman had his lantern, and cast the light on the miserable sheepish object who scowled at us.
"Here's a pretty tobyman," said I, "a right gallant fellow that sheds lustre on the craft. Why, a child could manage him. See," says I, for miss was come up, looking very handsome and excited, in the snow. "Take ye this pistol, miss, and hold it to him. He will do you no harm—no more than a louse, and never could."
She hesitated a moment, and then, summoning up her courage, did as I bid, holding the barker in a gingerly fashion, the while I searched his pockets, taking out what he had took of us.
I had just completed my job when there was the sound of voices quite close, for the snow had dulled the tread of the horses of the party that approached. They were on us ere I knew, and one called out,—
"What is this? Is't an accident?"
"It is a little accident to a tobyman," said I. "A brave fellow that is come by misfortune all unknown to his mother."
"The devil!" says the voice. "We are after one such. Let us see him."
Now you conceive how I felt, for that this was a party of traps on my heels I guessed at once. So I moved a little into the shadow of the lantern, and waited while the man examined t'other.
"I do not know if this is our man," says he, "but 'tis enough if he be guilty."
"Who is your man?" asked I, emboldened by this ignorance.
"'Tis Dick Ryder," says he; "we tracked him as far as Liphook, but the one that could speak to him has been detained by a fall at the village."
"Why, this is he!" said I in triumph. "Did he not confess to being Ryder?" I asked of the others, for by this the old gentleman and his lady were both with us.
"Certainly. I will swear to it," says the old fellow. "I heard him with these ears say he was Ryder."
"Then is our business done," says the trap, "and I'm not sorry, considering the night." And his men surrounded my man and seized him. His face was as pale as the snow, andhe had a horrid, frightened look. Maybe he was some attorney's clerk that had robbed his master, and was in flight. I cared not, and I never knew; and he went off silent with his captors on the way to the Triple Beam, which he deserved for a bungling, bragging nincompoop.
But now we were alone, and the guineas and the jewels were in my pockets. Lord, I love the jingle of 'em, and so I took my counsel forthwith.
"Sir," says I to the old gentleman, "here be your purse and your papers; and to you, sir," says I to Harringay, "I restore the smelling-salts, that is your charge. Miss, this, I'll warrant, is your jewels, the which I would advise you to place in a better security than heretofore. And now justice is done, and we conclude with a merry evening."
"But there is my purse!" says Harringay, in an amaze. "My purse with fifty guineas."
"Why, your purse must be where your heart is, in your boots," says I contemptuously, and called to the coachman.
"Give me that nag," says I.
And before he understood I was on the beast, and, doffing to miss and her mother, rode off into the snowy night with a peal of laughter.
Itwas not until I was three parts across the heath upon the adventure that I had gotten any suspicion I was forestalled. The night was very thick, owing to a pack of clouds that lay furled upon the moon, and till then was as still as a mouse. But Calypso's hoofs started a wether bleating near by, and it ran jumping into the distance, with its silly bell a-tinkling round its neck. And just upon that the noise of a commotion far off came down to me, and, pulling up the mare, I set my ears to the valley. I knew the coach must be wobbling along two miles this side of Belbury, and I reckoned to meet it by the fork. But this news, as you may conjecture, put me in a taking. There was none along that road save me and Creech's lot, and 'twas gall to me to play jackal to Dan, or to anyone else for the matter of that; so, putting my boots into Calypso, I rode down the valley at a gallop, but I had gone no farther than a few hundred paces when a clatter of nags came up the road to my left, and I stopped the roan dead. I was not to be taken like a fool, allagape with chagrin, and I held up under the cover of a tall furze bush, till all four were by, passing like shadows into the night.
"Damn Creech!" I says to myself, for I had scarce a crown to my pocket. But seeing that vexation would not serve me, I rode on, mighty discomfited, and presently entered the high road near the foot of the heath. Right afore me, and wrapt in the shadows of a black clump of trees, was the hulk of the stage, out of which proceeded a clamour of excited voices. When I came up with it the coachman was gathering his reins for a start, but at sight of me rising out of the darkness he dropped 'em again.
"Save us!" he cried, with an oath, "here's more of the gentry," and stared at me very sullen.
At this exclamation an instant silence fell inside the coach, and then a head was poked cautiously through the window.
"'Tis useless, my good man," said a thin, high voice. "We are by this plucked to our bare bones, and sit grinning in them."
"Heaven save us from this accursed heath! I feared 'twould be so," says someone else, with a whine.
"Faith," says I, coming to a stop alongside, "'tis an honour you put upon me. I have been mistaken afore now for his Highness,and for Jack Ketch too, but 'tis the first time I was dubbed gentleman of the highway."
The old fellow at the window rolled his eyes over me without a word, and pretty sharp eyes they were.
"And who may you be, then?" says he, with a queer smile upon his lean face.
"Why, if it comes to that," says I in turn, "who the devil may you be?"
He scrutinised me closely, and then, "Coachman," he called, "bestir your horses."
"Come, come," says I, for the old scarecrow tickled my curiosity, "there's no need to quarrel upon our characters. You have had the highwaymen here?"
He shrugged his shoulders. "Four dirty rascals," he said; "and we're in no humour for another."
"Look 'ee," says I sharply, "I allow no one to repeat a mistake."
He surveyed me with indifference, smiled, and withdrew his head. "In that case," he said bluntly, "'tis ill to waste your time and ours."
He was a surly old cock, and, but that I knew Dan must have skinned him close, I would have dragged him forth and served him according to his deserts; and, in truth, I was half in the mind to despoil him of some of his fine fig, but just then another voice broke in.
"Sir," says this noodle, "if you be an officer, as I should judge by your dress, I pray you will despatch these villains. I am a poor man and can ill afford to lose my purse, but if a small reward will serve—"
"Ha, ha!" says I, nodding, "here is some sense at last," and, drawing the roan nearer, I looked into the coach.
There was six of 'em, all looking pretty sheepish; and one, as I discerned in the dim light, was a lady.
"Lord!" says I, "five of you, and the coachman to be frightened by four scurvy cut-throats!"
"Why, sir," says the man that had just spoke, who wore a heavy paunch, "an you had been here I warrant you could ha' done nothing. The ruffians wore black masks and swore abominably. For my part, all I can say is that there was the cracking of whips and a pistol through each window ere I was out of the lady's lap, where, being asleep, the jolt had thrown me."
"The exchange was effected, I assure you," put in the old man suavely, "with less noise than if it had been a Sabbath sermon, save for the protestations of my friends here."
"Protestations!" says the lady, breaking her silence, and in an voice rough with anger. "There were tears enough to have touched aheart of stone, and less resistance than a barndoor fowl's. A fine company for escort, forsooth!"
I shot another look at her—for a woman, specially if she be beautiful, tickles my fancy—and, sure enough, I could perceive even in that light she wore an air of quality. But I put her aside a moment, and says I to the man with the paunch: "What have you lost?" says I.
"Sir," says he, "I am a goldsmith, the which trade hath in these days sunk so low that—"
But here Belinda intervened on him very sharp. "For heaven's sake," says she impatiently, "spare us the repetition of your circumstances; and since," she added with a sneer, "this gentleman is so good as to promise you assistance, specify your guineas and be done."
"There were a hundred guineas in my bag," said the goldsmith humbly.
But at that, and it may be because of the hint in the lady's words about me, there came another voice from t'other side.
"I am a merchant, sir," it began.
"Perhaps," says I, with a glance at the lady, "we had better spare that also."
"Sir," says the cully, accepting my rebuke, "if you will but save me my two hundred andfifty guineas you will place me deeply in your debt. A King's officer, like yourself, should have no difficulty in running these rascals to earth."
That made me smile, as you may fancy; and then, turning to Hoity-toity, I says, "And how have you fared, madam?"
Now that I regarded her more closely, I could perceive that she was very elegant, but she wore an ill-tempered frown, that set her beauty askew.
"I," says she, shrilly, "am in no mood to indulge a wayside curiosity—unless, indeed, 'tis your business to catch robbers." I bowed very solemn, and she eyed me with asperity. "I have been rifled of many valuable jewels, which I should now possess had I kept other company than that of chicken-hearts."
"'Tis a fool's trick to carry jewels on the King's highway," says I. "These gentlemen of the road snap their fingers at his Majesty."
"And you a King's officer to say that!" she said scornfully.
"Faith," said I, with a laugh, "I make no such claim to dignity. I am a poor civil gentleman, of no more pretensions than your brave companions."
"Brave!" she echoed, with disdain. "Five able-bodied men, and never a blow among them!"
"Pardon me, madam," interposed the old gentleman softly; "I have already explained that you must not reckon with me, having these five years no certain knowledge if my legs be still my own."
At this point the coachman broke in with a gruff voice. "We must be going," says he, "or maybe we shall have further trouble ere Belbury."
"Heavens! would they flay us?" asked the old gentleman, lifting his eyebrows. "I assure you, I have nothing beyond my skin and two very incompetent legs."
That set me laughing, for the old cock tickled me.
"Faith," says I, "here is a philosopher."
Whereupon, like a pistol-shot, madam turns upon me in a fury. "And who are you, sir, that dares mock at our misfortunes?" she cried angrily. "Who are you, that comes swelling with fine feathers and a cock-a-doodle-doo about assistance? Oh, were there stuff enough within the four walls of this carriage, some one should fetch you a clout for your impertinence! I was a fool to have ventured in this company—a fool not to have taken my Lord Kerslake's offer of a seat."
The old gentleman looked amused, and glanced whimsically at me; but, sure, I liked her spirit, though I made answer mockingly.
"Faith, gentlemen," says I, "you have here spirit enough to arm a regiment. I crave your ladyship's pardon; I am of a round and jocund temper, and can scarce keep my teeth inside my lips; I should grin upon a tombstone. But as for your misfortunes, rot me, but they touch me nearly; and, had the opportunity fallen, I should ha' been proud to draw a skewer for you."
"You have fine words, sir," says she, still very angry. "I am weary of words; I have heard brave words enough to outlast my years. You brag of your sword!" (she puffed her nostrils in a sneer), "had you arrived five minutes sooner, the chance had been yours to show the spirit under your fine coat. I am weary of words. Drive on, a God's name, coachman!"
I glanced about the coach with a smile—though, to say the truth, the wench's tongue nettled me; and "It seems," says I, "that we are a pack of superfluous cravens. Why is there none to fight us? My stomach, I vow, heaves for a highwayman. How stand yours, sirs?"
"Mine, sir, is sinking," says the old gentleman caustically—"sinking for the meal from which you detain us."
"Pray begone, sir!" added Hoity-toity. "As we may not have your valiant aid, nodoubt your comfortable bed will provide you bloodless dreams of battle."
There was no limit to the jade's tongue; but I kept myself in control, and merely laughed.
"Why," says I, "it seems I come to the table when the wine is cleared."
"By five minutes," she exclaimed—"by bare five minutes! The hoofs of their horses were not round the corner ere yours was poking its nose through the window."
"I would I had forestalled 'em," says I, with meaning.
The lady paid me no heed, but continued, "I have come from a town where young gentlemen of blood blink not at danger, and to lose five minutes were not to lose the privilege of protecting a lady of birth."
Her sneers made me mad; but "Ha!" says I, "your ladyship lives in a brave town. And what would these young gentlemen do? Sink me, I am so humble that I must go to school under them."
"They would not hang to gossip upon the wheels of a coach; and I should have my jewels within four-and-twenty hours," says she curtly.
"Gad," says I, "they are gallant young gentlemen indeed, and of a rare devotion to your ladyship. As for me—"
"As for you, sir," interrupted the old gentleman, testily, "if you will be good enough to resume your journey, we may have some chance at least of our dinner."
Hereupon the coachman cracked his whip, and the horses plunged forward a step; but I leaned over and laid my hand upon the side.
"Fie, fie!" says I, "to mumble of dinner when the lady's jewels are in question, and but four-and-twenty hours to get 'em!"
"The more reason for your leaving at once," said the old mawkin, sarcastically.
Somehow the behaviour of these two nettled me. I could see that the one entertained suspicions of me, and t'other used me with so small an amount of ceremony that I was loth to leave 'em ere I had cried quits with 'em. But it was the ejaculation of the goldsmith as set the idea suddenly in my head, for, says he, in astonishment, taking up the old gentleman's phrase, "You will undertake the quest, sir?" And immediately the thought of a pretty whimsy flared in my head; but ere ever I had taken it, up springs the merchant crying, "Mine too—mine also, sir; I pray you, young gentleman, my bag of guineas!"
"The devil!" says I, very calm, and as if I had made my resolve long since. "How would those same young gentlemen of bloodentreat you, I wonder? 'Slife, I have a notion that they would despatch you all to hell, for your common quality, it being of untoward audacity for to seat you next her ladyship." And then, putting my head right through the window, I says, addressing the lady in the most pretentious, solemn manner, "Your ladyship," I says, "frame me in your fancy, however high the flight, as one of these gentlemen of blood. Sirs, bear your misfortune with patience, I adjure you. Lard and oddsbobs, I wish you a more prosperous journey." And, with a sweeping bow, I spurred the roan into a gallop down the road.
When I pulled up at the foot of the heath, I could hear the creaking of the coach as it lumbered in the distance; then, turning the mare's nose to the common, I put her to an easy canter. 'Twas a design of some humour that possessed me; and what further drove me on was the reflection that I had a bare lining to my pockets, and, if I could not come by a high-toby lay, well, I would juggle with Creech for a venture. I knew Dan's haunts well enough, and that as like as not he was hiding in The Woodman for to celebrate his success. And, sure enough, when I had crossed the heath and struck into the pine wood on the further slopes, after concealing Calypso in a thicket, there was old Kettlemet me at the door of his inn, very suspicious, but of a mighty cheerful countenance. He was acquainted with me by sight, for he let me pass with a nod; and, proceeding to the rear of the hostelry, I found one of Dan's lads stuck before the door of the barn. He challenged me as I approached; but "Pooh, Tom!" says I, "keep your lead against traps and such vermin," the which made him grin upon recognising my voice.
"What brings you here, Dick Ryder?" says he. "We thought you was in London."
"I'm on the King's service, I am, Tom," says I.
Whereat he broke into a loud guffaw, and says he, "You'd best forswear, then, or Dan'll crack no bottle for you to-night. He's in a rare humour, is Dan."
But I pushed by him, and entered the barn, where Creech and two more of his rogues were sprawling upon the floor, pretty far gone in liquor, as I conceived. At the sight of me, up jumps Dan to his feet, but falls back again drunkenly.
"You damned pink-faced truant, Dick Ryder!" he cried, "what do you out of your bed at this hour? And Mistress Polly all forlorn!"
"Women," says I, "are devilish seductive for ornament, Dan, but theirs is a heavy price,and I'm quit of 'em." And with that, nodding at a crate of bottles, I added, "A fetch of luck, eh, Danny?"
"Sit down, my fine feathered bird," says Creech; "sit down and tipple along of us. Stab me if I keep my luck to myself! I'm a generous hand, I am."
The wine was none so bad, being sack of an elegant body, though Creech had never the palate of a fly; and presently, after I had drunken, I looked about me, but could see nothing of the booty. "Ah!" says I, "I'll warrant you have filled your purse, Danny. You're no company for a poor wastrel like me."
Creech grinned, and winked a bloodshot eye on me. "You should ha' joined the company, Dick," he said. "But, damme, you're so devilish shy. Plague take you, haven't I given you your chances? Stab me, you fine young bantam, for all your pride I wager you've not a crown in your pockets, and ours a-bulging out with goldfinches."
"One, Danny—one," says I, "and a good well-thumbed crown, come by honestly."