The brutal manners of this old man proved to the Earl he was not yet out of danger, and he said, "I believe, old man, you are William Stacy. I have heard of you before. I have come many miles, and am in a hurry to be off again, so speed me my errand and let me be gone. I assure you this cave is not the lodging I desire for the night."
"Hark ye," cried Bill, with a terrific oath, "how do you know you will ever leave it? what if it were your lodging for aye? we are alone, what would hinder me from knocking you on the head?"
"If my death is your object, you had better go and call your fellow murderers. I fear you not, old man; I can hold my own against you—come on—I dare you—one at a time—fair play!" said the Earl, reaching the sword with his hand, and taking it off the coffin.
Old Bill looked at him with surprise not unmingled with pleasure.
"Put it down, you need not fear, I was but jesting. Had I wanted your blood, young man, what had hindered me frae taking it this three times?—sit ye down, I have that to tell you will make you open your glimmers."
"I fear not," said the Earl; "delay me however no longer; my wife will be anxious for my return."
"She maun e'en wait," said Bill.
He sat down, relieved at least from his worst apprehensions.
"And now," said the old man, still standing, "d'you ken where ye have got to?"
"Indeed," said the Earl, "I thought it was to Luigi's cave, but your appearance forbids me to think so now."