"Why, in this wise: no sooner was I free than I went unto your house, The Havering, in order to report this matter. There I found that you had ridden forth for Exeter. So borrowed I a horse and rode amain."
"Thou art a right good friend, John Coram, and have well earned what I promised thee."
Bringing forth my pouch, I would have given him the money, but----
"No," said he, "I came not out to seek reward," and verily his honest face upheld the statement. "I came to warn thee, save thee from a peril, and having done so I am mightily content; while if you slay this fellow my reward is great indeed."
"Be sure my best endeavour shall go to that end," said I: "but still, a bargain is a bargain. Therefore, I pray you, take this money."
At first he would not; but after much pressing I contrived to give him two gold pieces, for the which his thanks were fervid.
"And now I must be riding back again ere I be missed," said he. "Besides, there is this horse which I have borrowed----"
"Or stolen, which?" I asked maliciously.
"Nay, friend, you said that sorry business was now clean forgiven and forgotten."
"And so it is," I answered laughing. "But, say, before you go, hast any news for me from Lyme?"