So they marched on without fear. But the king was wrong, in his supposition, for as they passed the mill a gruff voice called out, "Who goes there?"
"'Tis the miller himself," whispered Dick.
"Well, answer him," said Charles.
Again the challenge was repeated, and more authoritatively than before, "Who are you? Speak!"
"Friends," replied Dick."
"I know you not," cried the sturdy miller. "If you be friends, stand and give an account of yourselves, or sure as I'm an honest man, and you are a couple of rogues, I'll knock you down."
And he brandished a stout staff as he spoke.
"What shall we do?" asked Charles.
"Beat a retreat," replied Dick. "It won't do to be stopped here."
And as the miller rushed forth to seize them they hurried off; and ascended another hill, never stopping till they were quite out of breath.