And in truth the man came galloping like a fury. But what astonished the friends most was that on reaching them the rustic rider's eyes opened saucer-like, and he drew the rein so suddenly and powerfully, that the mule stuck out her fore-legs, and went sliding between the pedestrians like a four-legged table on castors.
“I trow ye are from the 'Tete d'Or?'” They assented. “Which of ye is the younger?”
“He that was born the later,” said Denys, winking at his companion.
“Gramercy for the news.”
“Come, divine then!”
“And shall. Thy beard is ripe, thy fellow's is green; he shall be the younger; here, youngster.” And he held him out a paper packet. “Ye left this at the 'Tete d'Or,' and our mistress sends it ye.”
“Nay, good fellow, methinks I left nought.” And Gerard felt his pouch. etc.
“Would ye make our burgess a liar,” said the rustic reproachfully; “and shall I have no pourboire?” (still more reproachfully); “and came ventre a terre.”
“Nay, thou shalt have pourboire,” and he gave him a small coin.
“A la bonne heure,” cried the clown, and his features beamed with disproportionate joy. “The Virgin go with ye; come up, Jenny!” and back he went “stomach to earth,” as his nation is pleased to call it.