Stopping, I also drew my sword and said:
"Ah! say you so? Listen; do you know that I have but to call, and half a score good friends will come to teach you honesty? Again, I say, open that door and let me pass."
"Ah!" jeered the fellow who had closed it. "You come not over us with that, young man. Know you that we also have some friends without; not half a score, but three score--well-armed withal, and zealous in the cause to boot."
There was ugly truth in that. I thought swiftly for a moment. Yes, 'twas my only chance!
"Fools!" I cried. "You do not know what business I am bent on!"
"Nay, how should we know it?" growled the bridle man. "What is it?"
"Why, such as, if you knew it," I replied, "methinks would make you open that door with right goodwill."
"Prithee then, tell us what such mighty business is," sneered the other. "Whom doth it concern?"
"One Robert Ferguson," I answered slowly.
At that the fellows started as though my words had been a pistol barrel.