Page:Hugh Pendexter--Tiberius Smith.djvu/160

 Smikins, but since the king come I'm Colonel Kirke. That's me, Kirke.' "‘When did the king come?' soothed Tib.

"‘Why, let's see. Yes, it was just before the blackness settled down,' and the guard grinned triumphantly at remembering thus much. 'Me and Jed Bufkins, him that's my Lord Chief-Justice Jeffreys now, had just got back from selling some garden-truck in Beanville. But I forgit. There ain't any Beanville now. It's Brabant, and this is England. Hooray for King James! Stand back from that winder, ye poisonous critter!' and we all three leaped aside just in time to escape being decorated with the pike. 'And if ye git sassy I'll climb in there and larrup ye,' warned the yeoman, in conclusion.

"‘Gramercy for thy courtesy,' growled Tib, rubbing his barked knuckles. 'If ever I catch ye chasin' the stag at Epping we'll have this out to a finish, my lad.'

"‘Say, boss,' sobbed the drummer, 'don't talk like that when we're alone. It unhinges me. I feel myself going.'

"‘A murrain take thee. Go to, thou knave!' I sneered.

"‘Beautiful, Billy, beautiful!' congratulated Tib. 'Let's wear the purple while we can and play our parts to the finish. This poor varlet has submitted