Just as the sea captain was about to commence his narrative, and whilst he refilled his pipe with the weed he professed such veneration for, the sharp-ringing sound of horse's hoofs were heard beneath the arch of the gate-house, which indeed was so close to the old hostel that it almost formed a part of the building.
At this period there was no drawbridge across the stream which separated the town from the Island of Thanet, and communication was kept up by a ferry-boat, which plied exactly opposite the Fisher's Gate.
As the horseman was ferried across, he hailed the craft which had caused so much curiosity to the Sandwegians.
"Hillo, ho, ho! Falcon there! Is the Count on board?"
"Gone on shore," was the brief answer returned.
"Captain on board?" inquired the horseman.
"Ashore with the Count."
"Where do they lodge?"
"At the hostel within yonder gateway."
Accordingly, the horseman, after landing, rode straight up to the Checquers, and unceremoniously entered the apartment in which the Count and Captain were seated.