La Motte! La Motte! said the blacksmith, I think I've heard the name.--Have you? said I, you're cunning then, for there's no such person hereabouts, to my knowledge.
Because I did not want them to know your honour was here; and if I had not managed very cleverly, they would have found me out. There is no such person hereabouts, to my knowledge, says I.--Indeed! says the blacksmith, you know more of the neighbourhood than I do then.--Aye, says the man with the pipe, that's very true. How came you to know so much of the neighbourhood? I came here twenty-six years ago, come next St. Michael, and you know more than I do. How came you to know so much?
With that he put his pipe in his mouth, and gave a whiff full in my face. Lord! your honour, I trembled from head to foot. Nay, as for that matter says I, I don't know more than other people, but I'm sure I never heard of such a man as that.--Pray, says the blacksmith, staring me full in the face, an't you the man that was inquiring some time since about St. Clair's abbey?--Well, what of that? says I, what does that prove?--Why they say somebody lives in the abbey now, said the man, turning to the other; and, for aught I know, it may be this same La Motte.--Aye, or for aught I know either, says the man with the pipe, getting up from the bench, and you know more of this than you'll own. I'll lay my life on't, this Monsieur La Motte lives at the abbey.--Aye, says I, you are out there, for he does not live at the abbey now.
Confound your folly! cried La Motte; but be quick--how did the matter end?
My master does not live there now, said I.--Oh! oh! said the man with the pipe; he is your master then? And pray how long has he left the abbey--and where does he live now?--Hold, said I, not so fast--I know when to speak and when to hold my tongue--but who has been inquiring for him?
What! he expected somebody to inquire for him? says the man.--No, says I, he did not, but if he did, what does that prove?--that argues nothing. With that he looked at the blacksmith, and they went out of the shop together, leaving my horse's shoe undone. But I never minded that, for the moment they were gone, I mounted and rode away as fast as I could. But in my fright, your honour, I forgot to take the round about way, and so came straight home.