Somewhat surprised that his faithful followers would so desert him, or at least move the family habitation without consulting their comrade, and on notice so brief, Rust knocked on Wainsworth’s door, to ask him if he had seen anything of the worthy Pike and Halberd. But Wainsworth too was out.
Upon proceeding post haste down to the tap-room, Adam broke in upon a scene of armistice, after a first shock of war. Standing at bay, with drawn swords, the shabby chattels of the trio in a corner behind them, were the beef-eaters, confronting and defying the landlord and several valiant citizens, in the midst of whom was the small individual who had so much desired to fight, on the previous evening, and who was now haranguing the opposing forces volubly.
“Here comes the master-vagabond now!” he cried, the moment Adam appeared in the room. “Now, sirs, for your proof that you are not a pack of wandering beggars and braggarts!”
“At last!” cried Halberd and Pike, together, coming quickly forward to grasp their comrade in arms by the hands.
“We have defended your good name and possessions!” said Pike.
“We have flung the lie into the teeth of these varlets!” added Halberd. “You have come in good time.”
“What’s the meaning of all this business?” demanded Adam, of the assembled company.
Every one started to talk or to shout at once. Adam heard such things as:
“They have called you and us a lot of penniless beggars and pirates!”
“What are you but a swaggering bully?”