I saw enough of
ruins, of blocked defiles, and overgrown roads; but of returning
prosperity and growing crops, and the King's peace, I saw no
sign--not so much as one dead robber.
About noon we alighted to eat a little at a wretched tavern by
one of the innumerable fords. A solitary traveller who was here
before us, and for a time kept aloof, wearing a grand and
mysterious manner with a shabby coat, presently moved; edging
himself up to me where I sat a little apart, eating with Parabere
and my gentlemen.
"Sir," he said, on a sudden and without preface, "I see that you
are the leader of this party."
As I was more plainly dressed than Parabere, and had been giving
no orders, I wondered how he knew; but I answered, without any
remark, "Well, sir; and what of that?"
"You are in great danger," he replied.
"I?" I said.
"Yes, sir; you!" he answered.
"You know me?"
He shrugged his shoulders. "Not I," he said, "but those who
speak by me. Enough that you are in danger."
"From what?" I asked sceptically; while my companions stared,
and the troopers and servants, who were just within hearing,
listened open-mouthed.
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