"Perhaps you'll go after him." Mr. Hadley shrugged and turned away.
"Why, what's all this, Harry?" Alison laughed. "Your wise father hath chosen to take Geoffrey instead of you?"
"In spite of my modesty, I'm surprised, ma'am," says Harry.
"Burn your impudent face," quoth Sir John from the background.
"Well, sir, if you were in your father's plans, maybe you'll pay your father's debts," quoth Mr. Hadley.
"What do I owe you, Mr. Hadley?" says Harry, bristling.
The two messengers came back again. "Right enough, sir, gone away." The spokesman nodded at Mr. Hadley. "We'll be riding. Trust no offence?" He looked hopeful.
"Here's Colonel Boyce's son, wishing to answer for his father."
The man looked Harry up and down and chuckled.
"Lord, and mighty like. Servant, sir," he winked at Harry. "Tell the
Colonel, sorry we missed him," He winked again and laughed.