I would not give much for your life if you tried to find the way alone.

Who would have thought when you got me off from being hung, after that little affair at Bruges, that I should be able to make myself useful to your worship ?" "You may be sure," the knight replied, "that it was just because I foresaw that you might be useful that I opened the doors of your cell that night.

It is always handy in times like these to be able to lay one's hand on a man whom you can hang if you choose to open your mouth." "Did it not strike you, sir knight, that it might enter my mind that it would be very advisable for me to free myself from one who stands towards me in that relation ?" "Certainly it did," the knight replied; "but as I happen to be able to make it for your interest to serve me, that matter did not trouble me.
I knew better than to bring money into this swamp of yours, when I might be attacked by half a dozen ruffians like yourself; and I took the precaution of informing Peter, the captain of my men-at-arms, of the spot to which I was going, bidding him, in case I came not back, to set a hue and cry on foot and hunt down all who might be found here, with the especial description of your worthy self." Walter could hear no more; he had taken off his shoes and followed them at a distance, and their voices still acted as a guide to him through the swamp.

But he feared to keep too close, as, although the darkness would conceal his figure, he might at any moment tread in a pool or ditch, and so betray his presence.

Putting his foot each time to the ground with the greatest caution, he moved quietly after them.