At this moment there smote upon his ears the unwelcome sound of
mocking laughter that seemed familiar to him.
"Ho, ho, ho! So the country bumpkin has found a mistress already!
So he has had to leave the fine ladies, and mate with one of his
own sort after all! Ho, ho, ho! She has a neat foot and ankle, at
any rate! Let us see what sort of a face there is under the crimson
hood!"
Tom felt the girl's hand clutch fast hold of his arm, and his blood
began to tingle in his veins. He was mightily glad that he had
buckled on his sword before coming out; although, as he had put on
a heavy cloak, it was possible the bullies were not aware of that.
"Which house did your father enter, Mistress Rosamund?" he asked
quickly.
"I did not note," she answered, looking round with frightened eyes;
"but methinks it was the one with the steps and the little recess."
Tom, making a few rapid strides, whisked her quickly within the
shelter of the doorway, saying, as coolly as might be:
"Knock, and ask to join your father, if he be within. I will soon
settle these impudent fellows behind."
Then he faced about quickly, just as the four bullies he had met
before came swaggering up, ready for any mischief and fighting that
might be afoot.
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