Matt Peke would have spoken, but Helmsley silenced him by a look and rose to his feet, standing humbly with bent head before his arrogant interlocutor. There were the elements of comedy in the situation, and he was inclined to play his part thoroughly.
"From Bristol," he replied.
"What are you doing here?"
"Getting rest, food, and a night's lodging."
"Why do you leave out drink in the list?" sneered Arbroath. "For, of course, it's your special craving! Where are you going?"
"To Cornwall."
"Tramping it?"
"Yes."
"Begging, I suppose?"
"Sometimes."