eriff, Sir Michael Livesey, at Little Shurland? He
must look to his ferry-warden and boatmen to prevent such villainies as
have now occurred."

"To none of these, sir," replied Walter; "in fact, I am a humble
traveller, lodging at a humble hostelry not far from hence."

During this dialogue, Robin had adjusted the saddle-girth, and led the
horse to its master, who took the bridle from his hand, and held it,
examining the girth as he spoke. Robin glided imperceptibly round to De
Guerre's side, and standing behind him, pulled his sleeve, and
whispered,--

"Don't tell him where."

The intimation was, perhaps, not heard, certainly not heeded, for the
young man added,--

"At the widow Hays'."

"I bethink me; the house near East Church. It is called
Nest--Nest--Nest--ay, Gull's Nest. 'Tis but a poor abode for one who
bears a diamond-hilted sword, and bears it bravely too. An every-day
person, Master De Guerre, would sell the diamonds and get a gayer
lodging."

"Persons differ in this and all other matters, more or less," replied
the young man somewhat haughtily: "I wish you good night, sir."

"Hot!" said the stranger, at the same time laying his hand upon the arm
of De Guerre: "Hot and high! Well, it is an ill tree that needs no
pruning; but the preserver and the preserved must not part thus. Come
with me to Cecil Place, and though I have it not to offer golden
recompense, yet I can assure to you a glad welcome; for my friends all
love each other."

"Go with him, go with him; never say him nay: why should you not go when
he desires it?" whispered Robin.

"But you are mounted, and well too, and I a-foot, and cannot pace it
with you," replied De Guerre, hesitatingly.

"And your grey steed is too far away--even for that nimble squire to
bring in good time," retorted the other, a kind of smile distending the
rugged and untrimmed moustache that garnished his upper lip.

"My grey steed!" repeated Walter in astonishment.

"Yes, and a stout beast it is. But I will rein in my horse, and the
Place is not so distant but we may keep together."

"Thanks for your proffered hospitality," said De Guerre; "but must we
not do something with the fellow you have slain? His companion was too
swift o'foot for me."

"Let the tree lie even where it fell," replied the other, looking on the
body for an instant, and then mounting his horse with the greatest
composure; "some one will cover it with decent earth in the morning: let
us