This was a great joy to us all, not least of all to the maiden herself, to whom it seemed like a message from an absent one. So it came to pass, when on the morrow the travellers started westward, there were five of them. And methought if any harm came to those two fair women with such champions to guard them, it would indeed go hard with all. They had not been gone three days, and the desolate house, occupied only by me and my master, seemed as void and dull as ever, when one afternoon who should step into the shop but a fine gentleman whom I had never seen before, but whom I guessed to be no friend, as soon as I saw him. "I am told," said he, "that an honest 'prentice, one Dexter, dwelleth here." "You be told very right," said I, affecting to be as simple as he wished me. "I am he." "To be sure, honest fellow," said he, "we have met before." "Where might that be?" asked I. "No matter where," said he, "but I remember you for a fine honest fellow. And, indeed, 'tis for that reason I am come. I have but lately lost my servant, a drunken scoundrel whom I am well rid of. And hearing from more than one a likely report of you, and knowing you myself that you are the sort of fellow I need--honest, strong in the arm, and quick of wit--I resolved to offer you the service. And as for wage, if you will come, marry I value a good servant so well that there shall be no question betwixt us on that score. Here is a purse for thy first month's service; and if you be the man I take you for, you shall have the like each month you serve me." "I am mightily beholden to you," said I, gaping at the money and smelling villainy in it all. "And by your leave, Sir Captain, what may be your service?" "Easy enough for a lad of thy mettle. Indeed, whether you take my service or no, you shall keep that purse, provided you tell me where a certain maiden, ward to the Lady Cantire and daughter to the O'Neill, is now?" Now I guessed whose messenger I talked with, and what his business might be with me. It surprised me that he came to the point so quickly. But the greedy way I fingered his money deceived him, and he supposed me won already. "And how should I know aught of her?" said I. "Come now," said he, "'tis I am here to ask you questions, not you me. If you want not the money you need not answer. There be others whose tongues it can loosen. So hand it back." Hereupon I feigned to be in a monstrous panic and said-- "Nay, sir Captain, I said not that I did not know of her. But why do you ask? I desire not any harm to the maiden; for she hath been good to me." "Harm?" said he. "What do you take me for? I am commanded to deliver her a jewel, bequeathed by her step-dame, and if you refuse to answer me, it is not I but you who do her harm." "Your pardon," said I, "but there be so many evil-disposed persons in the world, and the maiden is so very fair." "Come," said he, getting impatient, "where is she?"