Has he much speed?"
"He has," replied Edward, as he turned away and went into the bar to
speak with the hostess, and give his property into her care.
"Going north, sir?" inquired the same person when Edward returned.
"Not exactly," replied Edward, walking to the window to avoid further
conversation.
"The Roundhead is on the stilts," observed another of the party.
"Yes," replied the first; "it is easy to see that he has not been
accustomed to be addressed by gentlemen; for half a pin I would slit
his ears!"
Edward did not choose to reply; he folded his arms and looked at the
man with contempt.
The hostess, who had overheard the conversation, now called for her
husband, and desired him to go into the room and prevent any further
insults to the young gentleman who had just come in. The host, who
knew the parties, entered the room, and said--
"Now you'll clear out of this as fast as you can; be off with you, and
go to the stables, or I'll send for somebody whom you will not like."
The three men rose and swaggered, but obeyed the host's orders, and
left the room.
"I am sorry, young master, that these roisterers should have affronted
you, as my wife tells me that they have. I did not know that they were
in the house.
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