There was no reply to this, and then Clement Killigrew went into the kitchen.
Without hesitation I entered the room after him. All had happened as I expected. He had followed us to the inn, he had come in quietly, he had made arrangements with the landlord to take a message to some one near with whom he doubtless had influence, and now he would wait until help came. Then he would try and recapture Mistress Nancy and take her back to Endellion. Consequently, I determined to act at once. My purpose was to go into the room, and as soon as possible quarrel with him. I knew that the Killigrews never brooked an insult, and I thought that by careful management I should lead him to challenge me. This done, I hoped to disable him and then continue our journey before help could come. By so doing I should escape his espionage, and in a few hours be out of his reach.
He gave a start as I swaggeringly entered the room; but quickly appeared composed. Some half-dozen labourers were there, with their jugs of beer before them, and all seemed awed at the advent of two gentlemen with swords by their sides and pistols in their belts. Clement Killigrew was standing in front of the fire, for although the spring was upon us the nights were cold.
"Ill-mannered knave," I said, striding up to him, "what do you mean by standing in front of the fire?"
He looked at me angrily, and seemed about to answer back according to the manner of my address; but controlling his feelings he stood aside.
"I ask your pardon," he said politely, "it was very rude of me to keep the fire from the rest of the company."
"It was rude," I replied, "and none but a varlet would do it."
"I have expressed my apologies," was his response.
"Words are cheap," I said; "still, I suppose that is all you are able to give."
"Yes, I will give more than words," he replied, and on this I grasped the hilt of my sword, for I hoped that I had aroused him to fight, but my hopes were short-lived. "I will be glad to pay for a glass of brandy grog for each of these good fellows," he said blandly.