``Iamready，’’answeredAthelstane，``tostandtheworstoftheirmalice，andshallwalktomydeathwithasmuchcomposureaseverIdidtomydinner。’’
``Letusthenuntoourholygear，father，’’saidCedric。
``Waityetamoment，gooduncle，’’saidtheJester，inhisnaturaltone；``betterlooklongbeforeyouleapinthedark。’’
``Bymyfaith，’’saidCedric，``Ishouldknowthatvoice！’’
``Itisthatofyourtrustyslaveandjester，’’answeredWamba，throwingbackhiscowl。``Hadyoutakenafool’sadviceformerly，youwouldnothavebeenhereatall。Takeafool’sadvicenow，andyouwillnotbeherelong。’’