Page:Milady at Arms (1937).pdf/272

 stopped, followed his gaze to the kitchen door. There stood James Williams, grinning complacently at them, an appetizing chicken bone, temptingly browned and carrying much meat, prominently displayed in either hand! As they stared, he slowly raised one of the bones to his mouth and, sneering at them over it, took off a great bite. Behind him showed the smiling face of the kitchen wench belonging to the inn.

"Ha!" mumbled James, taking another great bite. "Don't ye wish ye were me!"

"How came ye free?" asked Zenas bluntly, trying not to eye too longingly the chicken bones. Despite himself, however, his gaze sought and envied each great bite James took.

James smiled maddeningly. "Don't ye wish ye did know?" he taunted.

"Where be Mistress Munn?" demanded Sally.

James's glance darkened. "What business o' yours?" he returned rudely.

"She be away—that be certain," observed Sally, looking significantly at the tavern maid, who flushed and disappeared. "Come"—Sally turned indifferently away—"let us go, Zenas! Naught is gained save discord by remaining here!"

But Zenas shook his head. "I mean to have some o' that chicken!" he answered determinedly. "James need not think he can taunt us thus!" And as he moved toward the tavern door, Sally stopped