"Lord Percy tells me that you are one of his esquires--no slight recommendation--and that you are intrusted with somewhat important a mission, on his part, to Dunbar, a still higher recommendation--for assuredly he would not have selected you for such a purpose, had you not stood high in his regard.

But, indeed, at first I took you for what you seemed, as the bearer of a complaint from some abbot; for in truth, such complaints are not uncommon, for whenever a bullock is lost, they put it down to my men.
"Where are your horses that Percy speaks of?
You will, I hope, take up your abode here, as long as you stay in the town." "Thank you, Sir Philip; but I shall go forward in the morning.

I have already put up at the Golden Rose.

It would attract attention, were I to come here, and it were best that I remain as I am; and indeed, I have brought no clothes with me, save those I stand in." "Well, perhaps, as you do not wish to attract attention, it were best so; and I pray you inform Lord Percy of the reason why you declined my entertainment." "I shall be glad, Sir Philip, if you will send down a couple of your men to fetch the horses up to your stables; as I shall start, as soon as the gates are open, tomorrow morning." "I will do so, at once." And the governor rang a handbell on the table.
"Send two of the men up here," he said, as an attendant entered.
A minute later a door opened, and two soldiers came in, and saluted.
One of them, to Oswald's amusement, was the man with whom he had exchanged words, below.
"You will accompany this gentleman to the Golden Rose, and bring back two horses, which he will hand over to you, and place them in the stables with mine.
"Are you sure, Master Forster, that there is nothing more that I can do for you ?" "Nothing, whatever, I thank you, sir; and I am greatly obliged by your courtesy, and with your permission I will take my leave.

I hope to return here in the course of a week, or ten days." So saying, Oswald shook hands with the governor and went downstairs, followed by the soldiers, who had not yet recovered from their surprise at seeing Oswald seated, and evidently on familiar terms with their lord.