He had been set upon by robbers on the way.
They took everything he possessed, and held him prisoner, doubtless meaning to get a ransom for him; but he managed to slip off while they slept, and to mount his horse, with which he easily left the varlets behind, although they chased him for some distance.

So when he came here, he offered to sell his horse to obtain an outfit and money for his voyage; and the landlord of the inn, who is a friend of mine, knowing that I had been inquiring for a good animal, brought him to me, and we soon struck a bargain." "It was hard on him to lose his horse in that fashion," Philip said; "and I am sorry for it, though I may be the gainer thereby." "He did not seem to mind much," the merchant said.

"Horses are good and abundant in Navarre, and when I said I did not like to take advantage of his strait, he only laughed and said he had three or four others as good at home.

He did say, though, that he would like to know if it was to be in good hands.

I assured him that on that ground he need not fear; for that I had bought it for a young gentleman, nearly related to the Countess de Laville.