as I know about it."

Arthur held the candle close to the man's lips. The flame still
burned straight up as steadily as ever. There was a moment of
silence, and the rain pattered drearily through it against the
panes of the window.

"If you haven't got nothing more to say to me," continued the
landlord, "I suppose I may go. You don't expect your five
shillings back, do you? There's the bed I promised you, clean and
comfortable. There's the man I warranted not to disturb you,
quiet in this world forever. If you're frightened to stop alone
with him, that's not my lookout. I've kept my part of the
bargain, and I mean to keep the money. I'm not Yorkshire myself,
young gentleman, but I've lived long enough in these parts to
have my wits sharpened, and I shouldn't wonder if you found out
the way to brighten up yours next time you come among us."

With these words the landlord turned toward the door, and laughed
to himself softly, in high satisfaction at his own sharpness.

Startled and shocked as he was, Arthur had by this time
sufficiently recovered himself to feel indignant at the trick
that had been played on him, and at the insolent manner in which
the landlord exulted in it.

"Don't laugh," he said sharply, "till you are quite sure you have
got the laugh against me. You shan't have the five shillings for
nothing, my man. I'll keep the bed."