But now we were nigh to the top of the down, and I could see the faint shadow of the triple beam. With that I knew my journey was done, and that my work must be accomplished. I pulled to the horses on the rise, and got down from my seat.
“Why d’ye stop, rascal?” called Grubbe in a fury, but I was by the door and had it opened.
“Timothy Grubbe,” said I, “ye’re a damned rogue that the devil, your master, wants and he shall have ye.”
He stared at me in a maze, his nostrils working, and then says he in a low voice: “So, ’tis you.”
“Your time has come, Timothy,” said I, flinging off my cloak, and I took my sword. “Out with you, worm.”
He said never a word, but stepped forth, and looked about him. He was sobered now, as I could see from his face, which had a strange look on it.
“Ye’re two rascals to one, Dick,” says he slowly, looking on the dead man on his horse which had come to a stop in the shadows.
“No,” says I, “this gentleman will see fair play for us.”
Grubbe took a step backward. “Sir,” says he, addressing the dead man—but at that moment Calypso and her companion started, and came into the open.
The moon shone on the face of the dead. Grubbe uttered a cry, and turned on me. His teeth showed in a grin.