“And in thine ear,” continued Swallow, consolingly, “and if thou see’st Old Rowley within a ten league, put thy new huswife’s face under lock and key and Constable Swallow on the door to guard thy treasure.”
MISTRESS NELL FINDS HAPPINESS.
It was not quite clear, however, what the constable meant; for “Old Rowley” was the name of the King’s favourite racehorse, of Newmarket fame, and had also come to be the nickname of the King himself. Charles assumed it good-naturedly. Assuredly, neither might be expected as a visitor to Ye Blue Boar.
There came a more spirited knock at the door. The constable sought a niche in the fireplace, whence he endeavoured to exclude Buzzard, who was loath to be excluded.
“Pass the Dutch-courage, good landlord,” entreated Swallow, in a hoarse whisper.
The landlord started boldly toward the door, but his courage failed him. “Go thou, Master Constable,” he exclaimed.
“Go thou thyself,” wisely commanded Swallow, with the appearance of much bravery, though one eye twitched nervously in the direction of the kitchen-door in the rear, as a possible means of exit. “There’s no need of his Majesty’s constable till the battery be complete. There must be an action and intent, saith the law.”
“Old Rowley!” muttered the landlord, fearfully. “Good Master Constable–” he pleaded. His face, which was usually like a roast of beef, grew livid with fear.