And at sight of him 'twas all I could do to hold my hand from my sword.
He ordered lights to be fetched, and when they came said: "So you are here at last, sirrah?
By my soul, I know not what Tom Price calls nimble men; but I could have walked as far on foot in the time.
Come, who is your leader?
Let me see your papers." I stood forth and handed him Tom's letter, whereby the Captain was to know we were the good men and true he was in need of.

He eyed me keenly, and said: "Had you come an hour later, you would have had a longer ride still, for we are even now setting out westward.

Nevertheless, laggards as you be, you are come in good time.

Harkee, you," said he, beckoning me aside, "a word in your ear." I was ready to make an end of the villain then and there; for I smelt falsehood and devilry in every word he spoke.

But I waited to let him say his say out first.