I did not understand his behaviour, but I determined to make the best use of him that I could. The innkeeper at Wadebridge had told me that every house was open to Uncle Anthony, for in country places where entertainment was scarce he was regarded as a godsend. "You look tired, Uncle," I said; "get on my horse, and ride the remaining distance." He did not speak, but when I had dismounted he prepared to climb on to Chestnut. "It's a long time since I was on the back of a 'oss like this," he remarked when he was seated. "And you would not remain long on," I replied, "if I was not here to keep Chestnut in order." He opened his mouth as if to contradict me sharply, but seeming to think better of it, simply asked me to hand his harp to him. "I can carry it," I assured him. "No one carries that harp but me," he replied sharply; "the devil wud git into un, if other hands than mine did hould un." So I handed him the instrument, more and more puzzled at his manner of speech. I walked slowly by Chestnut's head, who seemed to resent his change of rider, but a word from me kept him quiet, after which no conversation took place till I saw a large stone gateway. "What's yon?" I asked Anthony. "The gateway to the place where the Killigrews do live," he replied. I had hardly opened the gate when I heard a tramping of feet and a hurried sound of voices near. Immediately a rough hand was laid on my arm, and I saw that we were surrounded by several men. It was now nearly dark, and I could not well distinguish who had attacked us. Bidding Chestnut be still I freed myself in a moment, and drew my sword. "No," cried Uncle Anthony. "Doan't 'ee knaw me, Clement Killigrew; doan't 'ee knaw Uncle Anthony, Benet, Colman?" "Down," cried a strong deep voice. "Uncle Anthony on horseback! What means this?" "Visitors to Endellion, Benet; a supper and a bed!" replied the droll. "A supper and bed for thee, and welcome, Uncle Anthony," was the reply, "but for this jackanapes,--no, we keep no open house for such." "Jackanapes yourself," I cried hotly, for I could ill brook such words. "You carry swords, come on then one at a time, and we will see who is a jackanapes." But no swords were drawn. Instead they looked at me keenly. "Is this horse thine?" "It is." "Why let old Uncle Anthony ride on him then?" "That is my affair, not yours." "Know you to whom you speak?" "I thought I did at first. I was told that this is the entrance to Colman Killigrew's house, and I thought you might be Killigrews. But they be gentlemen, and know decent ways, so I judge you cannot be they." A general laugh followed this sally, and then one of them spoke in low tones to Uncle Anthony. "We have been mistaken," said one presently. "If you bear the name of Penryn, come to Endellion, and welcome. We may know your business later on. But we live a rough life here, and make not friends easily." "But they be cutthroats, footpads, who attack a man unawares," I replied.