"What's yon?" I asked Anthony.
"The gateway to the place where the Killigrews do live," he replied.
I had hardly opened the gate when I heard a tramping of feet and a hurried sound of voices near. Immediately a rough hand was laid on my arm, and I saw that we were surrounded by several men. It was now nearly dark, and I could not well distinguish who had attacked us. Bidding Chestnut be still I freed myself in a moment, and drew my sword.
"No," cried Uncle Anthony. "Doan't 'ee knaw me, Clement Killigrew; doan't 'ee knaw Uncle Anthony, Benet, Colman?"
"Down," cried a strong deep voice. "Uncle Anthony on horseback! What means this?"
"Visitors to Endellion, Benet; a supper and a bed!" replied the droll.
"A supper and bed for thee, and welcome, Uncle Anthony," was the reply, "but for this jackanapes,—no, we keep no open house for such."
"Jackanapes yourself," I cried hotly, for I could ill brook such words. "You carry swords, come on then one at a time, and we will see who is a jackanapes."
But no swords were drawn. Instead they looked at me keenly.
"Is this horse thine?"