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Rh "There are enough of them to perform that simple office. And I am loath to incommode Mistress Joan, by forcing upon her more intruders than can do the task there is to do."

"Nay, then, you should return to your ship, sir; for there be a wild sort of characters about to-night, and none too sober. Your person is known, too, and you may chance to get a bullet through you, which will further neither the king's cause nor your own, I reckon."

"I thank you for the advice, mistress," said Tregenna, who was more interested in this grave woman with the quiet manners, low voice, and tranquil air of authority, the more he saw of her. "But 'tis my business to carry my life in my hand; and truly the vicinity of a woman as quick of eye and ready of hand as yourself is as safe a one as I could wish."

But Ann Price shook her head. "I might not always be so fortunate," said she. "Besides, I must be stirring myself. I have another two miles to trudge to get to my mother's home."

"If my escort would be any protection to you, which, perhaps, you would deny, me-thinks 'twould be less hazardous than a walk across a wild road alone."