Three brave horses stood saddled and bridled at the door, and voices of good cheer from within showed me that mine host was having some little custom for his sack.

I wondered if my solemn scholar was of the party, or whether, the better to avoid detection, he still lay abed.
As I entered, I recognised the chief of the four men who sat at the table as my friend the Bishop's man, whom I had met on the road two days ago, but whom, as well as my promise to meet him to-day, I had since clean forgotten.

He hailed me gaily, as if he expected me.
"Welcome, lad; you are a man of your word.

I knew you would come.

Come and join us, there is brave sport afoot." I coloured up, to be thus commended for what I did not merit.
"Indeed," said I, "I--I am glad to meet you again, but--but (how I stammered), just now I am looking for my friend." "What! Have you not done your errand ?" said he.