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Rh "Nay!" exclaimed Robert, detaining him; "it will not task your courtesy much, for we can leave him in a few minutes—and I have so much to say to you."

"Why, to tell the truth," resumed Francis, "I have my own reasons for wishing to avoid an encounter with yonder sullen fanatic. As ill luck would have it, I was with Goring's dragoons the night his house was burnt. Do not look so reproachfully; we did but enter his hall for the joke of forcing the old Presbyterian into hospitality, when his refusal to drink the king's health led to high words, and thence to hard blows. I did not draw till Edward Stukeley was killed by my side. I then cut down his opponent, who was Johnstone's only son—I myself received a wound"—pointing to a slight scar on the temple—"from his father. We were then separated; but I hear he vows eternal vengeance against me. Now I care for his threats as little as I care for his anger; but, come down as I am on my good behaviour, a broil is the last thing in the world that I desire—so I shall judiciously retreat. We shall meet again, if you will go home, whither I shall direct my steps."

So saying, he turned into a narrow path, and soon left the stern horseman and his brother far behind.