man whom you can hang if you choose to open your mouth."

"Did it not strike you, sir knight, that it might enter my mind that it
would be very advisable for me to free myself from one who stands towards
me in that relation?"

"Certainly it did," the knight replied; "but as I happen to be able to make
it for your interest to serve me, that matter did not trouble me. I knew
better than to bring money into this swamp of yours, when I might be
attacked by half a dozen ruffians like yourself; and I took the precaution
of informing Peter, the captain of my men-at-arms, of the spot to which I
was going, bidding him, in case I came not back, to set a hue and cry on
foot and hunt down all who might be found here, with the especial
description of your worthy self."

Walter could hear no more; he had taken off his shoes and followed them at
a distance, and their voices still acted as a guide to him through the
swamp. But he feared to keep too close, as, although the darkness would
conceal his figure, he might at any moment tread in a pool or ditch, and so
betray his presence. Putting his foot each time to the ground with the
greatest caution, he moved quietly after them. They spoke little more, but
their heavy footsteps on the swampy ground were a sufficient guidance for
him. At last these ceased suddenly. A few words were spoken, and then he
heard returning steps. He drew aside a few feet and crouched down, saw a
dim figure pass through the mist, and then resumed his way. The ground was
firmer now, and, replacing his shoes, he walked briskly on. As he neared
the higher ground along which the road ran he heard two horsemen galloping
away in the distance. He now turned his face east, and after an hour's
walking he reached the armourer's.