But what! you would ride home alone! Evil men are swarming, child.

This sultry weather brings them out like flies.' 'I shall not be alone, my lord.

Marquis will take good care of me.' 'Indeed, my lord marquis will pledge himself to nothing outside his own walls.' 'I meant the dog, my lord.' 'Ah! you see how awkward it is.

However, as you will not choose between us--and to tell the truth, I am not yet quite prepared to die--we must needs encounter what is inevitable.

I will send for one of the keepers to take him to the smithy, and get him a proper collar--one he can't slip like that he left at home--and a chain.' 'I must go with him myself, my lord.