ssuade Rumbald from any
attempt at that time; but I did not know that then.) Here, only, thought
I, is one of the chicken-hearted ones. I determined to play upon his
fears, if I could, and at the same time, perhaps, upon his hopes.

"I think I can, however," I said. "You would be out of the business, if
you could, would you not?"

He turned so white that I thought he would have fallen. I saw that my
shot had told; but it was not a hard one to make.

"Hold up, man," I said. "Why, what do you suppose I am here for?"

"What business, sir?" he said. "I do not know what you mean."

I smiled; so that he could see me do it.

"Very good, then," I said. "I will leave you to Mr. Rumbald;" and I
made as if I would pass on.

"Sir," he said, "can you give me any assurance?... I am terrified." And
indeed he looked it; so I supposed that he thought that the attempt was
indeed to be made to-day. I determined on a bold stroke.

"My man!" I said. "If you will tell me your name, and then begone at
once, back to town, I will tell you something that will be of service to
you. If not--" and I broke off.

He looked at me piteously. I think my air frightened him. He drew back a
little from the house, though we were in a place where we could not be
seen from the windows.

"My name is Keeling, sir. You will not betray me? What is it, sir?"

"Well," said I, "I can give you an assurance that what you fear will not
take place. There is not a man here beyond myself and Mr. Rumbald and
old Alick. Now begone at once. Stay; where do you live?"

He shook his head. A little colour had come back to his face again at
the news.

"No, sir; that was not in the bargain. I will begone, sir, as you said;
and thank you, sir."

He slipped back again very quickly, and was vanished. I suppose that he
had ridden down in some cart all night, and that he went back in the
same way, for I saw no more of him.

Well; I had gained two little points--I had kept him from Mr. Rumbald,
which was one--(for I did not want my host to consult with any if I
could help it)--and I had learned what perhaps was his name. This,
however, I would test for myself presently.

At noon we dined; and having observed no difference in my host's manner,
that might shew that he had any idea I had met with anyone, I made two
remarks.

"I talked with a fellow at the gate this morning," I said; "he seemed to
know nothing of the King's coming."

Rumbald jerked his head impatientl