"No, no! We've got you right enough! What else can you be but cursed spies, riding about the country like this?"
"I don't wish to argue with you," I replied, angered by his brutal manner. "I'm as true a burgher as you are, to say the least, and I warn you that I shall hold you responsible for what you do or say."
"Oh! oh! Responsible? We are our own Government now. And where are your arms? Spies!"
"I see you have a gun, but perhaps that is only because you've had no chance to lay it down."
"What! Yes, I've got a gun, and I'll prove it to you!" he shouted, pointing the weapon at me.
"Just like a cowardly bully to threaten an unarmed man! But," I added gently, "you'll feel differently to-morrow."
"Will I? Why?" he asked, curiosity getting the better of his rage.
"You'll be sober then." This only incensed him the more, but he saw that he had gone too far, and contented himself with uttering a few half-intelligible threats. We then went out to the stable, gave them our horses, and went to bed.
I woke just as dawn was breaking. Before the door stood the son of the house, his gun in his hand.
"Hello, you are up early," I said. He looked rather confused.