In a little while the measured tread of military men was heard approaching,

And the culprits entered the presence in charge of an under-sheriff and

escorted by a detail of the king's guard. The civil officer knelt before Tom,

Then stood aside; the three doomed persons knelt also, and remained so; the

guard took position behind Tom's chair. Tom scanned the prisoners curiously.

Something about the dress or appearance of the man had stirred a vague

memory in him. 'Methinks I have seen this man ere now... but the when or the

where fail me' — such was Tom's thought. Just then the man glanced quickly

Up, and quickly dropped his face again, not being able to endure the awful

Port of sovereignty; but the one full glimpse of the face, which Tom got, was

sufficient. He said to himself: 'Now is the matter clear; this is the stranger that

Мультиязыковой проект Ильи Франка www.franklang.ru

Plucked Giles Witt out of the Thames, and saved his life that windy, bitter

First day of the New Year — a brave, good deed — pity he hath been doing

Baser ones and got himself in this sad case... I have not forgot the day, neither

The hour; by reason that an hour after, upon the stroke of eleven, I did get a

Hiding by the hand of Gammer Canty which was of so goodly and admired

Severity that all that went before or followed after it were but fondlings and

caresses by comparison.'