"The cause of liberty and truth," whined he.
"The cause of Monmouth, eh?"
He nodded frowningly.
"Then," said I, "if liberty and truth go hand in hand with thieving, may God help the Duke! Let go that bridle," I added, striding up to the fellow who had laid a hand on it again.
He hesitated for a moment, glaring upon me with a pair of angry, bloodshot eyes; but, though only eighteen years, I topped him by a good three inches, and doubtless my face told tales besides. Growling something anent "godless upstarts" he drew back sulkily and joined his comrade by the door which he had closed. And there they stood muttering together and casting ugly glances at me.
Turning Kitty round, I took her bridle on my arm and moved towards them.
"Open that door," I said, "and let me pass."
But they were two to one, and odds give courage even unto cowards. Whipping out their swords they set themselves against the door.
"You leave that horse or go not," said one.
"Aye, verily," quoth the other.