As for thy service, I will think of that betwixt now and the day I see you again.

Therefore, I pray you, appoint no servant meanwhile.
And remember, not a word to the maiden how you came to find her." He took me for a simple fool, and went off very content with the paper in his pocket, and leaving the purse with me.

So I knew I was rid of him and his fellow dog, Merriman, for well-nigh two weeks; and by that time the maiden and her party would be beyond all reach.

As to what would happen when they returned from their trip,--well, I had two hands and a sword as well as others.
But whether they came back or not, I know not; for weeks went by, and I forgot all about them, when one night, as my master and I worked secretly, with closed door, at the press, I feeling very desolate to know that the whole house was empty, and that were I to open the parlour door, there would meet me no merry note of singing from a sweet voice within--while we worked thus, I say, there came a rustling at the threshold, and presently a piece of paper was thrust under the door.

By the dim rush light we took and read it.