While they thus sat drinking, loud knocks were heard at the door outside.
“Who’s there?” asked the landlord.
“Don’t open for them,” said Jack, “it’s only some thirsty roysterer returning home.”
“House, ho!”
“Who are you?”
“What do you want?”
“Go home, I tell you; the house is closed.”
“House, ho! within there; open, in the name of the king.”
“The what?” said Jack, in alarm.
“In the name of the king,” whispered Bates.