Scott and the earl looked up with curiosity to see him enter.
CHAPTER XXVII. RED RALPH.
The man who entered was of medium height, thickset, and his hair and beard were red. His face was far from prepossessing.
He looked at the visitors, and then at his wife inquiringly.
"So you have company?" he said.
"Yes, Ralph," answered the woman, rather nervously. "I told them we didn't keep a hotel, but they offered me five dollars to take care of them and the horse till morning."
The man's face lost its scowl. The sum offered made an impression.
"You did right," he said. "I am willing to accommodate. Where's the horse?"