In any case, the dragoon was obviously plethoric and would be the better for a blood-letting.

The difficulty lay in making the opportunity.

He was beginning to wonder if he could lure the Captain aside with some tale of hidden treasure, when this untimely interruption set a term to that interesting speculation.
He sought to temporize.
"Faith it will suit me very well," said he.

"For Bridgewater is my destination, and but that ye detained me I'd have been on my way thither now." "Your destination there will be the gaol." "Ah, bah! Ye're surely joking!" "There's a gallows for you if you prefer it.

It's merely a question of now or later." Rude hands seized Mr.Blood, and that precious lancet was in the case on the table out of reach.