In the meantime, as I have a singular curiosity to witness
your meeting, I will sit down here upon the steps, and bear you
company."
He seated himself accordingly, and soon engaged his companion in
animated discourse. It was but of brief continuance, however, for a
noise of shouting, which bad long been remotely audible, drew so
much nearer that Robin inquired its cause.
"What may be the meaning of this uproar?" asked he. "Truly, if your
town be always as noisy, I shall find little sleep, while I am an
inhabitant."
"Why, indeed, friend Robin, there do appear to be three or four
riotous fellows abroad tonight," replied the gentleman. "You must
not expect all the stillness of your native woods, here in our
streets. But the watch will shortly be at the heels of these lads,
and-"
"Ay, and set them in the stocks by peep of day," interrupted Robin,
recollecting his own encounter with the drowsy lantern-bearer. "But,
dear sir, if I may trust my ears, an army of watchmen would never make
head against such a multitude of rioters. There were at least a
thousand voices went up to make that one shout."
"May not a man have several voices, Robin, as well as two
complexions?" said his friend.
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