"Why, just to think of it," said he, "that I should start my fighting for the Duke's cause by drawing sword against his followers! But, say, why did these fellows thus attack you?"
"Because I stand in no high favour with a man named Robert Ferguson."
"Ah! a canting rogue. I know him well. And so you are not for the Duke?"
"Nay, I am for the King," I answered boldly, having now made up my mind on that point.
Again he laughed in merry fashion.
"Oh, what a mocking whirligig is life!" said he. "Here walk I side by side with one with whom perchance I may cross swords in battle."
"Aye, like enough," I answered grimly; "but, say, why stand you for the Duke?"
"Well, now, it might well be for the same reason that you join King James; but, to tell honest truth, it is because his side doth seem to promise most of fine adventure. I love adventure; I was made for it; and some day I will make my name thereby, though not with sword--with pen."
"Ah! you are a writer, then?"
"Nay, but a sorry scribbler as yet; but, look you, some day I will write a book which shall assuredly set all England tingling in my praise. In short, I will be famous. Mark well those words, and think upon them in the years to come."