My word's naught.

But 'tis your one chance--and I would kneel to 'ee, if by kneelin' I could persuade 'ee.
We'll fight it out after; bring your pistols.

Only come!" The stranger slipped on his other shoe, then his waistcoat and jacket, whistling softly.

Then he stepped to the chimney-piece, took down his pistols, and stowed them in his coat-pockets.
"I'm quite ready." Zeb heaved a great sigh like a sob; but only said:-- "Wait a second while I see that the coast's clear." In less than three minutes the stranger was packed under the evil-smelling weed, drawing breath with difficulty, and listening, when the jolting allowed, to Zeb's voice as he encouraged the mare.
Jowters' carts travel fast as a rule, for their load perishes soon, and the distance from the coast to the market is often considerable.
In this case Jessamy went at a round gallop, the loose stones flying from under her hoofs.

Now and then one struck up against the bottom of the cart.