It mattered little to me that the way was beset with robbers and bullies.

I had neither horse nor cloak; my homely apparel was rent and dirty; my boots were in holes, and my belt was empty.

I was not worth robbing, and the few who set on me in mistake, did not stay long when they found the temper I was in.

So late that night--it must have been towards midnight--I brought my journey to an end, and stood at my master's door.
Here a sore rebuff met me.

For a long time I knocked and called in vain, and woke the echoes of the sleeping Strand.