He put it down to the fact that I might be captured, on my way back, and forced to confess the whole details of the mission with which I am charged.

It is possible that this is so, but it is more likely that he dislikes that anyone should know secrets that concern his safety; and although he has not said as much, at present, I believe that it is his intention to hold me here as prisoner; though doubtless with due courtesy, as befits Percy's messenger and esquire; until affairs come to a head, which may not be for a year or two, yet." "Is there a guard over you, at present ?" "Not that I know of, Roger, but it may be that the inn is watched.

At any rate, he would try to overtake me, did I attempt to leave without his permission." "Then, Master Oswald, I should say let us be off, at once." "But how, Roger?
On foot we should be speedily overtaken, and if not watched at present, doubtless I shall be, after my interview with the earl this morning.

Were I to try and buy horses, I might be arrested at once.

However, I have been thinking that the best plan would be for you to go round to the port, and to bargain for a passage for us to Edinburgh.