But the greedy way I fingered his money deceived him, and he supposed me won already.
"And how should I know aught of her ?" said I.
"Come now," said he, "'tis I am here to ask you questions, not you me.
If you want not the money you need not answer.

There be others whose tongues it can loosen.

So hand it back." Hereupon I feigned to be in a monstrous panic and said-- "Nay, sir Captain, I said not that I did not know of her.

But why do you ask?
I desire not any harm to the maiden; for she hath been good to me." "Harm ?" said he.

"What do you take me for?
I am commanded to deliver her a jewel, bequeathed by her step-dame, and if you refuse to answer me, it is not I but you who do her harm." "Your pardon," said I, "but there be so many evil-disposed persons in the world, and the maiden is so very fair." "Come," said he, getting impatient, "where is she ?" "Alas!" said I, "she is not here.