“His Maj’ty s’prised at you. Says if you won’t tell him where’ve laid her by, he’ll beat up every house within miles-’n’-miles.”
“No!” said the simple clergyman, in a sudden emotion.
“Yes,” said the gentleman, not too drunk to note his advantage. “For miles-’n’-miles. His Maj’ty ver’ s’prised her behaviour to him. Wan’s lil word with her. Tell at once where she is, or worse for you.”
The clergyman looked about him like one at bay. His glance lighted on the trestle before the fire, fixed itself there, and kindled.
“The Lord justify the ways of His servant!” he muttered; and drew himself up.
“Tell His Majesty,” he said in a strong voice, “that, so be he will honour a toast I shall call, the way he seeks shall be made clear to him.”
The other gave a great chuckle, which was loudly echoed from the passage.
“Why, thish is the right humour,” he said, and retired.
Within a few moments the whole company re-entered, tittering and jogging one another, and spilling wine from the beakers they carried.
The King called a silence.