He looked at the horse, and then shouted
towards the stables.
"It's evident you are going no further on that animal at present. Shall
I hide him in the place I have in the woods yonder? Have you given them
the slip, or are they close upon your heels?"
"There is no need to hide him," said Crosby, as he entered the inn. "It
would seem that you remember me."
"Aye, faces have a way of sticking in my memory. I had to conceal you
one night when you came inquiring for a fiddler."
"This morning I am come to look for him again."
"His appointment?" asked the landlord.
"Yes."
"Then you may wait contentedly. I never knew him to fail. If he failed I
should say he had met his death on the way. Death is the only thing that
would stand between his promise and its fulfilment. Come into the inner
room. We might get other early visitors, and the door in the wall might
be useful."
"And food--what about food at this early hour? I am well-nigh starving."
"I'll see to that, and I take it that a draught of my best ale will take
the dust out o' your throat pleasantly. That beast of yours has done a
long spell from stable to stable, I warrant.
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