Perhaps they deemed a simple city maid not worth the trouble of an encounter.

Perhaps they were too unsteady on their legs to desire to provoke the hostile overtures of this tall, dark-faced stripling, who appeared ready to do battle with the pair of them, and that without the least fear.

At any rate, after much hard swearing, the estimable comrades mounted their horses again, and rode on in the gathering darkness; whilst Cherry felt herself lifted up with all courtesy and reverence, and a pleasant voice asked in bashful accents, very unlike the firm, defiant tones addressed to her persecutors, whether she were hurt.
"Not hurt, only frightened, fair sir," answered Cherry, beginning to recover her breath and her self possession, as she divined that her protector was now more embarrassed at the situation than she was herself.

"How can I thank you for your timely help?
I was well nigh dead with terror till I heard your voice holding them at bay.
Right bold it was of you to come to my assistance when you had two foes against you." "Nay, fair lady, I were less than a man had I stayed for twenty." "I like you none the less for your brave words, sir, and I believe that you have courage to face an army.

But I may not linger here even to speak my thanks.