He looked at me piteously. I think my air frightened him. He drew back a little from the house, though we were in a place where we could not be seen from the windows.
"My name is Keeling, sir. You will not betray me? What is it, sir?"
"Well," said I, "I can give you an assurance that what you fear will not take place. There is not a man here beyond myself and Mr. Rumbald and old Alick. Now begone at once. Stay; where do you live?"
He shook his head. A little colour had come back to his face again at the news.
"No, sir; that was not in the bargain. I will begone, sir, as you said; and thank you, sir."
He slipped back again very quickly, and was vanished. I suppose that he had ridden down in some cart all night, and that he went back in the same way, for I saw no more of him.
Well; I had gained two little points—I had kept him from Mr. Rumbald, which was one—(for I did not want my host to consult with any if I could help it)—and I had learned what perhaps was his name. This, however, I would test for myself presently.
At noon we dined; and having observed no difference in my host's manner, that might shew that he had any idea I had met with anyone, I made two remarks.
"I talked with a fellow at the gate this morning," I said; "he seemed to know nothing of the King's coming."
Rumbald jerked his head impatiently; and I perceived that we had not been seen. Presently I said: