"There is John a Nokes," replied the barber, with alacrity, "that is host of the Chequers; but he comes hither no more. And there is Mr. Nicholas Lovel, that promised me he would come on Wednesday last, though indeed he failed so to do; and there is moreover the Master of the Worshipful Company of Painter Stainers whom I used to meet with at their great hall in Trinity Lane." "And him you shave," said I, seeing that he paused there. "Nay, for he hath a singular great beard," he said, "and when he sits in Council amidst his Company of the Painter Stainers there is none appeareth more lofty and worshipful than he. I have been a serving man there," he added with a conspicuous pride, "and worn their livery, so that it behoveth me to speak well of them, and to pray for their continuance in prosperity." "That is all as it should be," quoth I, "but for my question, good master barber, I do not find you have answered it." "Cry you mercy," said the little barber with an innocent air, "but methought I had answered you full and fairly." "Hath any come hither this morning," I demanded, "besides myself?" "It is still very early, sir," he replied, rubbing his hands together the while, "but I hope at noon, now, by the which hour as you know, a man's beard commenceth to prick sorely..." "Hold!" I cried, "I speak not of your hopes, but of your performance. Have you shaved any man this day?" "Oh, none, sir," he replied, as though it were a thing indecent, and I shocked him. "You lie," said I coolly, "for one went forth but now." The barber: "Surely you mistake, sir ... but now I bethink me it was no doubt my lord of Pembroke." "So then my lord of Pembroke serves my lord of Pembroke, belike," I answered, laughing sourly, "and weareth his cast suits, as did he that went hence." I never saw a man so taken aback, and all his graces drooped about him like a sere garland. "Come, sir," said I at length, in a great voice, for I was both wrathful at this fetch, and feared something behind it, "who is this black-a-vised tall man in brave apparel, that you shave each morning?" "Oh, good Mr. Cleeve," he cried out trembling, but got no further, for I had him by the collar. "Thou hast my name pat enough," said I, very low, and shifted my fingers to his throat, which I must have held pretty tight, seeing his face went black and his eyes started forth of it. "To the purpose," I proceeded and released my grasp somewhat. He wrested himself loose and stood away gasping. "Who is the tall man of the narrowed eyes and black complexion?" I demanded. "I dare not tell," he whispered, and as it were shook that answer from his lips. "He spies upon me, and uses thine house for that purpose," I said, and gathered certainty from the mere relation of my doubts. "But wherefore doth he so? That thou must tell me, master barber, and presently, else will I beat thee with thine own barber's staff." I made as if to seize him again, but he backed off, howling.