"What fool is this," says he, "that rides so awkwardly, and drives a spare horse? If he ride no better I will ask him to keep me company, if he be a gentleman. Many gentlemen have rode along of me, and have rode to the gallows tree," and he chuckled harshly.
"Maybe he will ride with you to the Gallows Gate, sir," says I.
"Why, Crossway," says he, laughing loudly, "you have turned a wit," says he; and once more withdrew his head.
By now we were nigh to the top of the down, and I could see the faint shadow of the Triple Beam. With that I knew my journey was done, and that my work must be accomplished. I pulled to the horses on the rise, and got down from my seat.
"Why d'ye stop, rascal?" called Grubbe in a fury, but I was by the door now and had it open.
"Timothy Grubbe," said I, "ye're a damned rogue that the devil your master wants, and he shall have ye."
He stared at me in a maze, his nostrils working, and then says he in a low voice,—
"So 'tis you."
"Your time has come, Timothy," said I, flinging off my cloak, and I took my sword. "Out with you, worm!"