“He waits in the street,” I answered more boldly.

“Split me fore and aft if he waits long,” said Jack, draining the rest of his rum.  And picking me up as easily as did Weld he rushed out of the door, and after him as many of his mates as could walk or stagger thither.

In the meantime the news had got abroad in the street that the butcher’s apprentice was to fight one of the Hawk’s men, and when I emerged from the tavern the crowd had doubled, and people were running hither in all haste from both directions.  But that fight was never to be.  Big Jack Ball had scarce set me down and shouted a loud defiance, shaking his fist at Weld, who stood out opposite, when a soldierly man on a great horse turned the corner and wheeled between the combatants.  I knew at a glance it was Captain Clapsaddle, and guiltily wished myself at the Governor’s.  The townspeople knew him likewise, and many were slinking away even before he spoke, as his charger stood pawing the ground.

“What’s this I hear, you villain,” said he to Weld, in his deep, ringing voice, “that you have not only provoked a row with one of the King’s sailors, but have dared send a child into that tavern with your fool’s message?”

Weld was awkward and sullen enough, and no words came to him.

“Your tongue, you sot,” the captain went on, drawing his sword in his anger, “is it true you have made use of a gentleman’s son for your low purposes?”

But Weld was still silent, and not a sound came from either side until old Robbins spoke up.

“There are many here can say I warned him, your honour,” he said.

“Warned him!” cried the captain.  “Mr. Carvel has just given you twenty pounds for your wife, and you warned him!”

Robbins said no more; and the butcher’s apprentice, hanging his head, as well he might before the captain, I was much moved to pity for him, seeing that my forwardness had in some sense led him on.

“Twas in truth my fault, captain,” I cried out.  The captain looked at me, and said nothing.  After that the butcher made bold to take up his man’s defence.

“Master Carvel was indeed somewhat to blame, sir,” said he, “and Weld is in liquor.”

“And I’ll have him to pay for his drunkenness,” said Captain Clapsaddle, hotly.  “Get to your homes,” he cried.  “Ye are a lot of idle hounds, who would make liberty the excuse for riot.”  He waved his sword at the pack of them, and they scattered like sheep until none but Weld was left.  “And as for you, Weld,” he continued, “you’ll rue this pretty business, or Daniel Clapsaddle never punished a cut-throat.”  And turning to Jack Ball, he bade him lift me to the saddle, and so I rode with him to the Governor’s without a word; for I knew better than to talk when he was in that mood.