“I love it, Captain. ’Tis mine. My home is there, and, God willing, Anne’s too shall be.”
“Amen!” said I heartily, for the boy had gone to my heart, absurd though he was.
And just on that there was a noise without the door, the clank of heavy feet rang on the boards, and Timothy Grubbe’s ugly mask disfigured the room.
He came forward a little with a grin on his distorted features, and, looking from one to the other of us, said he:
“My respects, Captain, and to this young plover that no doubt ye’re plucking. By the Lord, Dick Ryder, but I had given you up. Heaven sends us good fortune when we’re least thinking of it.”
Masters, at his word, had started up. “Who are you, sir, that intrudes on two gentlemen?” he demanded with spirit. “I’ll have you know this is a private room. Get you gone!”
“Softly, man,” says Grubbe, in an insinuating voice. “Maybe I’m wrong and you’re two of a color. Is it an apprentice, Dick, this brave lad that talks so bold and has such fine feathers?”
“If you do not quit,” said I shortly, “I will spit your beauty for you in two ticks.”
“Dick Ryder had always plenty of heart,” said he in his jeering way. “Dick had always a famous wit, and was known as a hospitable host. So I will take the liberty to invite to his sociable board some good fellows that are below, to make merry. We shall prove an excellent company, I’ll warrant.”
“Now, who the devil soever you may be, you shall not use gentlemen so,” he cried, whipping out his blade.
But Grubbe turned on him satirically. “As for you, young cockchafer,” said he, “it bodes no good to find you in this company. But as you seem simpleton enough, I’ll give you five minutes to take your leave of this gentleman of the road. Dick, you’re a fine tobyman, and you have enjoyed a brave career, but, damme, your hour is struck.”
I rose, but, ere I could get to him, young Masters had fallen on him.
“Defend yourself, damn ye,” he said, “you that insult a gentleman that is my friend! Put up your blade!” and he made at him with incredible energy.
Uttering a curse Grubbe thrust out his point and took the first onrush, swerving it aside; and ere I could intervene they were at it.
My young friend was impetuous, and as I saw at once, none too skilful; and Grubbe kept his temper, as he always did. He stood with a thin, ugly smile pushing aside his opponent’s blade for a moment or two, until, of a sudden, he drew himself up and let drive very low and under the other’s guard. The sword rattled from Masters’s hand, and he went down on the floor. I uttered an oath.