Jasper found a five-barred gate closing the stable-yard from the common. The gate was padlocked, but Jasper put Devil Dick at it, and was over in style. In fact, the horse nearly trampled on old David Barfoot, who bobbed out suddenly from the door of an outbuilding.
"Where be ye a-coming to?"
"Hallo! Good-day to you, Mr. Barfoot. Is your mistress at home?"
David stared, and Benham remembered the old man's deafness. He felt in a pocket, produced the red scarf, and also a silver crown.
He spoke slowly, showed David the scarf, and pointed to the house. David displayed utter stupidity. He held out a brown paw for the scarf.
"No, you old fool! Do you think I have ridden five miles to hand this over to you!"
He pointed toward the house, and then gave David the silver crown.
The man stared at it, scratched his chin, and then pocketed the money. He threw up his hairy face suddenly, and shouted:
"It's Miss Nance you be wanting?"
"All right, all right, don't tell the whole county!" and he nodded.