Then releasing him, Malise took no further notice of this valorous enemy, and the poor, loyal, baffled beast, conscious of defeat, crept shamefacedly away to hide his disgrace among the faggots.
But Malise was growing indignant and therefore dangerous and ill to cross.
"Never did I see such mannerless folk," he growled; "they will not even give a stranger a word or a bite for his beast." Then he called to his companions, "Come hither and speak to these cravens ere I burst their inner doors as well." At this by no means empty threat came the Lord James and spoke aloud in his cheery voice to those within the silent house: "Good people, we are no robbers, but poor travellers and strangers.

Be not afraid.

All we want is that you should tell us which house is the inn that we may receive refreshment for ourselves and our horses." Then there came a voice from behind the door: "There is no inn nearer than Pornic.

We are poor people and cannot support one.

We pray your highness to depart in peace." "But, good sir," answered James Douglas, "that we cannot do.