Will you ride with us ?" "Ay," said Haward briefly.

"But you must send yonder fellow with the scarred hands packing.

I travel not with thieves." He had not troubled to lower his voice, and as he and Darden were now themselves within the shadow of the oak, the schoolmaster overheard him and answered for himself.

"Your honor need not fear my company," he said, in his slow and lifeless tones.

"I am walking, and I take the short cut through the woods.