"
"Methinks that I might do so, but happily none have molested me on my
way, seeing perhaps that my wallet was not likely to be a full one; and
that, mayhap, it was hardly worthwhile to meddle with me, with so small
a prospect of plunder."
"But come in, and sit down," the priest said. "My uncle has consigned
you to my care. We shall sup in half an hour."
"I shall not be sorry," Roger replied, "for though I broke my fast on
black bread and small beer, down in the village, 'tis but poor
nourishment for a man who has travelled far, and who has a large frame
to support."
"But how come you to be here?"
Roger again repeated his story.
"It would have been shorter for you to have travelled down through
Berwick, brother."
"The difference was not great," Roger replied; "and I had to carry a
message to Edinburgh, and from there it was shorter to keep west of the
Pentlands, and come down to Lanark, and thence through Moffat."
"Yes, I suppose it is as short. And you had no trouble on your way?"
Roger shook his head.
"No; I generally join some traveller or other, and that makes the
journey pass all the quicker. I came down here today with a stout young
fellow, who overtook me this side of Moffat.
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