"We have nothing to fear, friend, being honest men."
"Loose me, I say."
"On conditions I will."
"Ah—conditions?"
"That you admit me to your house."
"Never! Besides I have no house. I am homeless and destitute, master; indeed I am in bitter want."
"I will mend that," said I, and drew forth a gold piece from the pouch at my belt. "But now, ponder the alternatives well, and as you choose, so shall it be yours to have. Either you grant me presently the liberty of that part of Petty Wales which you were used to inhabit, and take this noble for your pains, or else I will hale you to yonder watch, and denounce your theft of those silks you have about you."
He shivered throughout at my proposals, and after hung as limp upon my arm as a drenched clout.
"If I should do as you desire, good master," said he, in a voice I could scarce hear for its thinness, "our Captain would kill you out of hand."
"Forewarned is forearmed," said I. "Your next reason?"