The scullions, with the intelligence characteristic of the class, comprehended that this action of the stranger concealed some plans in the execution of which it was to their interest not to interfere; they divided the money so generously given them, and remembering the orders they had received from their master, they hastily decamped, and went off to hide themselves.
The stranger, while the landlord was receiving the travellers, had proceeded to the thickest part of the garden.
On reaching the little gate to which we have referred, he whistled gently.
Almost immediately two men seemed to rise from the midst of the darkness, and came up to him.
Each of these men had a long rapier at his side, pistols in his girdle, and a musketoon in his hand.
"What is there new?" the stranger asked; "Have you seen anything, Michael?"
"Captain," the man answered, to whom the question was addressed, "I have seen nothing, but still I fear a trap."
"A trap?" the stranger repeated.
"Yes," Michael continued, "Bowline has taken bearings of several ill-looking fellows who seem desirous of boarding us."
"Stuff! You are mad, Michael. You have seen the travellers who have just arrived at the inn."