"
The stranger obeyed, and after taking a long drink Walter Skinner said:
"I will now tell thee what I would not tell to every man. First, from
here I go to the Green Dragon at Doncaster, there to crack the pate of
the groom that did send me into the Isle of Axholme, where I did have
all sorts of contumely heaped upon me. And after that I shall pursue my
course or not, as it pleaseth me. Richard Wood did give me permission
so to do. Knowest thou Richard Wood?"
"Nay," answered the stranger.
"He is well enough in his place, and that is in the high tree
overlooking the castle. But when he will ride abroad with men-at-arms
behind him to obey his word, then he thinketh that he may tell me also,
his old friend, what I may and may not do. He hath even bid me cease
prating. What thinkest thou of such a man?"
"Why, he must be a bold man that would bid thee cease prating," replied
the stranger.
Walter Skinner took another drink and then looked long and earnestly at
him. "Thou art a man of reason," he said; "yea, and of wisdom,
moreover. And come, now, show me thy ungentle horse. I promise thee I
will back him or--or--" He did not finish his sentence, and the two
went out to the inn yard, where stood a horse which did not seem to be
particularly vicious.
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