If
he has I will go across to the prison and try and get a pass for
you. I shall come to market in the morning."
So saying, with a wave of her hand she tripped on towards the
house, which was now near at hand, leaving Malcolm to arrange his
plans for next day. His first care was to purchase a suit of clothes
such as would be worn by a boy of the class to which he appeared
to belong. Then he went to one of the small inns patronized by the
peasants who brought their goods into market, and without difficulty
bargained with one of them for the purchase of a cart with two oxen,
which were to remain at the inn until he called for them. Then
he bought a suit of peasant's clothes, after which, well satisfied
with the day's work, he returned to his lodging. In the morning
he again met the servant.
"It was well I asked," she said, "for the sentry had orders to
prevent any, save nobles and officers, from passing in. However,
I went to the prison, and saw one of the governor's deputies, and
told him that the count was fretting because his clock had stopped,
and, as while I said so I slipped five ducats the countess had
given me for the purpose into his hand, he made no difficulty about
giving me the pass. Here it is. Now," she said, "I have earned my
twenty ducats."
"You have earned them well," Malcolm replied, handing them to her.
"Now mind," she said, "you must not count on me farther.
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