Page:The Children of the New Forest - 1847 - Marryat.djvu/275

 The three men rose and swaggered, but obeyed the host's orders, and left the room.

"I am sorry, young Master, that these roysterers should have affronted you, as my wife tells me that they have. I did not know that they were in the house. We cannot well refuse to take in their horses; but we know well who they are, and, if you are travelling far, you had better ride in company."

"Thank you for your caution, my good host," replied Edward; "I thought that they were highwaymen, or something of that sort."

"You have made a good guess, Sir; but nothing has yet been proved against them, or they would not be here. In these times we have strange customers, and hardly know who we take in. You have a good sword there, Sir, I have no doubt; but I trust that you have other arms."

"I have," replied Edward, opening his doublet, and showing his pistols.

"That's right, Sir. Will you take anything before you go to bed?"

"Indeed I will, for I am hungry; anything will do, with a pint of wine."

As soon as he had supped, Edward asked the hostess for his saddle-bags, and went up to his bed.

Early the next morning, he rose and went to the stable to see his horse fed. The three men were in the stables, but they did not say anything to him. Edward returned to the inn, called for breakfast, and, as soon as he had finished, took out his pistols to renew the priming. While so occupied, he happened to look up, and perceived one of the men with his face against the window, watching him. "Well, now you see what you have to expect, if you try your trade with me," thought Edward. "I am very glad that you have been spying." Having replaced his pistols, Edward paid his reckoning, and went to the stable, desiring the ostler to saddle his horse and fix on his saddle-bags. As soon as this