The landlord slid out of it through the smallest aperture between the door and its frame that could discharge a man of his sturdy physique.

When the door closed behind him he could be heard to protest against any intention of disturbing his visitors.

The two gentlemen had made a long journey, travelling two nights and two days at a stretch; so they'd gone off to bed and were snoring hard by this time; the landlord could stake his solemn honor upon it.
The tipsy Royalist seemed content with the apology for non-appearance, and returned to his companions bellowing,-- "Let Tories guard the King; Let Whigs in halters swing." Ralph walked uneasily across the room.

Could it be that these men were already on their way to Wythburn to carry out the processes of the law with respect to himself and his family?
In another minute the landlord returned.
"It's as certain as the Lord's above us," he whispered.

"They wanted to get to you to have you drink the King's health with them, and when I swore you were asleep they ax't if you had no horses with you.