THE LEGEND OF KNOCK- A-TH AMPLE. 197 



opened, and another visitor entered with scanty cere- 

 mony, and, though unbidden, seated himself upon the 

 stool of honour. His dress was far better than his 

 mien, and he assumed an appearance of superiority 

 which, even to the peasants, appeared forced and 

 unnatural. He called authoritatively for supper, and 

 the tones of his voice were quite familiar to the herds- 

 man. With excited curiosity, the peasant flung some 

 dried flax upon the fire, and, by the blaze, recognised 

 at once the well-remembered features of the Red Pedler ! 



Before the peasant could recover his surprise, the tall 

 stranger entered the cottage again, and approached the 

 hearth. With an air which could not be disputed, he 

 commanded the intruder to give place. The waving 

 of his hand was obeyed, and, with muttered threats, 

 the Pedler retired to the settle. The Knight leaned 

 against the rude walls of the chimney, and remained 

 absorbed in bitter thought, until the humble host told 

 him that the meal was ready. 



If a contrast were necessary, it would have been found 

 in the conduct of the strangers at the board. The 

 Knight ate like an anchorite, while the Pedler indulged 

 his appetite largely. The tall stranger tempered the 

 aqua vit<e presented by the host copiously with water, 

 while the short one drank fast and deep, and appeared 

 anxious to steep some pressing sorrow in the goblet. 

 Gradually, however, his brain felt the influence of the 

 liquor, and, unguarded from deep and repeated draughts, 

 he thus addressed the host : 



" Markest thou a change in me, fellow ? " 



" Fellow ! " quoth the peasant, half affronted ; 

 " three years ago we were indeed fellows ; for the Red 

 Pedler often sought shelter here, and never was refused." 



