"Oh, a slight, simple matter in itself, but needing absolute sureness in the doing, and instant speed in the starting. This letter is to be carried to Dover, to him that is named upon it, and an answer brought to me at Winchester House. That is all."
"Oh, pish! a slight, paltry journey; nothing to make me choleric. With the horse I rode to-day, I'll go and come in four days."
Which was very good time upon the horses and roads of that period.
"But there's the pinch," quoth Jerningham, "I must have the answer Monday morning ere the Exchange opens. You must know I take a gentleman's part in a merchant's venture or so, and if certain cargoes now due at Dover—In short, you must ride forth immediately, as soon as horse can be saddled."
Ravenshaw, remembering his promise to pay Cutting Tom at the parson's on the morrow noon, slowly shook his head.
"How now, captain? Would you shirk at the outset? Will you be continually failing me? This is no such matter as the other, man."
"I do not shirk; but I will not start to-night. I will set forth to-morrow, and make what speed man and beast can."
"Look you, captain; my commands are that you set forth now. If you choose to throw yourself out upon the world again—"
Jerningham paused. Now, in truth, Ravenshaw had felt he could be very comfortable for a time on this quiet estate; his body and his wits, both somewhat overtaxed in the struggle for existence he had so long maintained, plead for repose. He sighed, and fell back upon obvious objections, not aware that Jerningham already knew of his engagement for the morrow with Cutting Tom.
"Why, bethink you, the darkness—" he blundered.