"Penryn, Penryn," he repeated the name slowly, and looked at me again. "Iss, we'll be fellow-travellers. I'll take 'ee to Endellion."
I did not understand his behaviour, but I determined to make the best use of him that I could. The innkeeper at Wadebridge had told me that every house was open to Uncle Anthony, for in country places where entertainment was scarce he was regarded as a godsend.
"You look tired, Uncle," I said; "get on my horse, and ride the remaining distance."
He did not speak, but when I had dismounted he prepared to climb on to Chestnut.
"It's a long time since I was on the back of a 'oss like this," he remarked when he was seated.
"And you would not remain long on," I replied, "if I was not here to keep Chestnut in order."
He opened his mouth as if to contradict me sharply, but seeming to think better of it, simply asked me to hand his harp to him.
"I can carry it," I assured him.
"No one carries that harp but me," he replied sharply; "the devil wud git into un, if other hands than mine did hould un."
So I handed him the instrument, more and more puzzled at his manner of speech. I walked slowly by Chestnut's head, who seemed to resent his change of rider, but a word from me kept him quiet, after which no conversation took place till I saw a large stone gateway.