“At once. I will place my household at thy disposal.”
“And the friar and the mayor; does my ransom include their freedom?”
“By no means: every tub must stand on its own bottom.”
“But they were my companions, travelling as it were, not being fighting men, under my protection.”
“Perhaps it would expedite matters if thou wouldst inform me on what errand ye were all bent?”
Ralph was silent, and Drogo departed with the same ceremonious politeness, laughing at it in his sleeve.
“Now for the burgher,” said he.
A light shone in the dark prison beneath, and the mayor looked into the face of his fierce young captor.
“What brought thee into my woods, fat beast?”
“I knew not they were thine, or I had perchance not intruded. Now tell me, lord, at what price I may redeem my error, for I have a wife and children, to say nothing of apprentices and workmen, who long sore for me!”