"Why, here didst thou come strutting it finely," said the innkeeper, in
a mocking tone. "And dost thou strut now? Nay, verily; but thou art as
meek as any whipped cock. And since it was by thy strut that men did
recognize thee, how shall they make thee out when thy fine strut is
gone? Wherefore serve the strangers, and be not afraid."
In spite of this exhortation the manner of Walter Skinner still
betrayed doubt, and even timidity. And at last he made the innkeeper
understand that it was he whom he feared and not the strangers.
The innkeeper laughed. "Dost fear me?" he said. "Why, thou needst not--
that is, thou needst not if thou observest my conditions. Thou hast a
horse that thou needest not, since thou hast legs of thine own.
Somewhat short they be, and somewhat stiff in the joints, being more
made to strut with than for the common gait of mankind. Still I doubt
not they will carry thee whither thou wouldst go after I have dismissed
thee. Serve the strangers, therefore, and afterward thou shalt sup."
In great meekness Walter Skinner obeyed, and the innkeeper, observing
him, sat down later with satisfaction to his own meal.
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