At the same time, unshrouding the dark lantern, which had hitherto

only emitted an indistinct glimmer, the goodly aspect and figure of

the landlord of the Black Bear was visibly presented to his astonished

guest.

"What mummery is this, mine host?" said Tressilian. "Have you supped as

jollily as last night, and so mistaken your chamber? or is midnight a

time for masquerading it in your guest's lodging?"

"Master Tressilian," replied mine host, "I know my place and my time as

well as e'er a merry landlord in England. But here has been my hang-dog

kinsman watching you as close as ever cat watched a mouse; and here have

you, on the other hand, quarrelled and fought, either with him or with

some other person, and I fear that danger will come of it."

"Go to, thou art but a fool, man," said Tressilian. "Thy kinsman is

beneath my resentment; and besides, why shouldst thou think I had

quarrelled with any one whomsoever?"

"Oh, sir," replied the innkeeper, "there was a red spot on thy very

cheek-bone, which boded of a late brawl, as sure as the conjunction of

Mars and Saturn threatens misfortune; and when you returned, the buckles

of your girdle were brought forward, and your step was quick and

hasty, and all things showed your hand and your hilt had been lately

acquainted."

"Well, good mine host, if I have been obliged to draw my sword," said

Tressilian, "why should such a circumstance fetch thee out of thy warm

bed at this time of night? Thou seest the mischief is all over."

"Under favour, that is what I doubt. Anthony Foster is a dangerous man,

defended by strong court patronage, which hath borne him out in matters

of very deep concernment. And, then, my kinsman--why, I have told

you what he is; and if these two old cronies have made up their old

acquaintance, I would not, my worshipful guest, that it should be at

thy cost. I promise you, Mike Lambourne has been making very particular

inquiries at my hostler when and which way you ride. Now, I would have

you think whether you may not have done or said something for which you

may be waylaid, and taken at disadvantage."

"Thou art an honest man, mine host," said Tressilian, after a moment's

consideration, "and I will deal frankly with thee. If these men's malice

is directed against me--as I deny not but it may--it is because they are

the agents of a more powerful villain than themselves."




readonlinefreebook.com Copyright 2016 - 2024