rved 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 roysterers should have affronted
you, as my wife tells me that they have. I did not know that they were
in the house. We cannot well refuse to take in their horses; but we
know well who they are, and, if you are travelling far, you had better
ride in company."

"Thank you for your caution, my good host," replied Edward; "I thought
that they were highwaymen, or something of that sort."

"You have made a good guess, sir; but nothing has yet been proved
against them, or they would not be here. In these times we have strange
customers, and hardly know who we take in. You have a good sword there,
sir, I have no doubt; but I trust that you have other arms."

"I have," replied Edward, opening his doublet and showing his pistols.

"That's right, sir. Will you take anything before you go to bed?"

"Indeed I will, for I am hungry; anything will do, with a pint of wine."

As soon as he had supped Edward asked the hostess for his saddle-bags,
and went up to his bed.

Early the next morning he rose and went to the stable to see his horse
fed. The three men were in the stables, but they did not say anything
to him. Edward returned to the inn, called for breakfast, and, as soon
as he had finished, took out his pistols to renew the priming. While so
occupied he happened to look up, and perceived one of the men with his
face against the window, watching him. "Well, now you see what you have
to expect, if you try your trade with me," thought Edward, "I am very
glad that you have been spying." Having replaced his pistols, Edward
paid his reckoning, and went to the stable desiring the ostler to saddle
his horse and fix on his saddle-bags. As soon a