Where is this horse you spoke of ?" He showed me his strong, white teeth in a very evil smile.
"Were it not for that same business--" he began.
"You would do fine things, I am assured," I interrupted him.
"Would I not ?" he snarled.

"By the Host! I should be wringing your pert neck, or laying bare your bones with a thong of bullock-hide, you ill conditioned Fool!" I looked at him with pleasant, smiling eyes.
"You confirm the opinion that is popularly held of you," said I.
"What may that be ?" quoth he, his eyes very evil.

"In Rome, I'm told, they call you hangman." He growled in his throat like an angered cur, and his hands were jerked to the level of his breast, the fingers bending talon-wise.
"Body of God!" he muttered fiercely, "I'll teach one fool, at least--" "Let us cease these pleasantries, I entreat you," I laughed.

"Saints defend me! If your mood incline to raillery you'll find your match in some lad of the stables.

As for me, I have not the time, had I the will, to engage you further.