The groom promised faithfully to do as he was bidden; but it was not until he had carefully repeated his instructions several times more that Revere was satisfied and consented to enter the inn.
“The beasts can’t speak for themselves, or do for themselves,” said he. “So it is our duty to see that right is done by them.”
The inn was a cheerful place, with many brass candlesticks and painted china plates; and the landlady was a good-natured, rosy dame, who bustled about making them comfortable.
“I shall get you a good supper,” she told them, “for I’m quite sure that you’ll need it after being so many hours upon the road. And there’s warm water and basins and towels and soap in the little room close by the kitchen. So you can make yourselves clean and fresh while you are waiting to be served.”
They thanked her for this and made good use of the articles named. Nat was the first to finish, and as he stepped back into the inn parlor he noticed that a newcomer had taken possession of a big chair at the window overlooking the road, and was calmly reciting his desires to the obliging hostess.
“I shall want some boiled mutton,” said he, “with a savory sauce. And pay heed to the sauce, madam; let it not be the flavorless thing one gets at so many inns. The meat served may be ever so good, but if the sauce has a breath too much garlic it is all ruined.”
“Yes, sir; it shall be just as you like it, I assure you,” said the landlady, dropping the stranger a curtsey. “And will there be anything else, sir?”
“Some potatoes—baked in their jackets—a small loaf and some mead—if you have any that’s fit for a gentleman to drink.”
“There’s none better, sir, in this section,” said the good dame, rather nettled. “And I might even say that you’d hardly find better in your own country.”
“My own country!” repeated the stranger, and he looked at her keenly.