[CHAPTER VII—EZRA MEETS WITH A STRANGE EXPERIENCE]
The two were so engrossed in their conversation that they paid not the slightest heed to the newcomer. The landlord, a thick-set, sodden-looking man with a churlish expression, however, came forward.
“Well, young gentleman?” he inquired, and he looked searchingly at Ezra out of his small eyes.
“I’d like my horse looked after,” said the lad. “And then I’d be thankful for a little something for myself, if it’s no great trouble.”
The man shook his head surlily.
“If you want your horse attended to, you’ll have to do it yourself,” spoke he. “I have no one here to do such work. Hostlers are afraid to stay.”
“Very well,” replied Ezra, as he seated himself. “I’ll look to him presently.”
He had selected a far corner where Scarlett, if he turned, could not readily make him out.
“Cooks are just as hard to keep,” stated the host grumblingly. “So if you expect much in the way of supper, you’ll be disappointed.”
“Whatever you have,” said Ezra, pleasantly. “A dish of cold meat, the end of a loaf and some mead, if I’m not asking too much.”