How say you?
will you follow us to our lodging place for the night?
And if we find no money concealed about you, and if your story of your poverty be true, you can think well whether you will choose to cast in your lot with us.

Many a poor man has done so and become rich, and the life is a better one than many." All this was spoken in a careless, mocking way, and Cuthbert did not know if the proposal were made in good faith or no.

But it was plain that no harm was meant to his life or person, and as he was in no fear from any search of his clothes and bag, he was ready and willing to accept the invitation offered, and by no means sorry to think he should be relieved from spending the night in the saddle.
"I will gladly go with you," he answered.

"I have spoken naught but sooth, and I have no fear.

My person and my goods are in your hands.