"We shall meet again," said the keeper, in a deriding tone. "I know we shall."
"Not if I can avoid it," said Shakespeare.
"An we do," said the keeper, "you hear what is in store for you."
"He you serve can hardly tell what is in store for himself, much more for another," said Shakespeare, "an he could have done so, he had prophesied thy likely reward both here and elsewhere."
"What would that be?" inquired the keeper, coming close to the youth.
"Present beating, if again insolent," said Shakespeare, "and the gallows in reversion."
The keeper drew back; he remembered his comrade's discomfiture, and the skill the youth had displayed.
"Well, fare thee well," he said, "we shall cry quits anon. An Sir Thomas keep word with thee we shall lay thee by the heels yet."
"And, an he keep word with thee, he will have one knave the less in his service. Adieu, I waste time and speech upon thee." So saying, Shakespeare turned his back upon the forester, who, joining his companions, after exchanging a few angry words with their late opponents, they left the Green, and the sports were resumed.