How to Deal with the Bailiff?
The Never Ending Quest - Episode 42001
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The bailiff, which was what Astra guessed that the man was, had a short
sword at his belt. So fighting him was not an option. Nor, since he was on
horseback and she was on foot, could she hope to flee. If she led him to
where her belongings were hidden, she doubted that he would let her pick
up her own sword. Worse, he would probably decide on seeing the sword and
the clothes that she was suspicious enough to require being brought before
the Satrap.
So she led him in the opposite direction, fixed him with her most innocent expression and said: "I left my clothes just over here, sir. Being a stranger in these parts, I didn't know that this was private property. I was passing by on the main road, when I saw the lake, just visible through the trees, and I fancied a swim. I hadn't realised that I was doing anything wrong. I assure you that I am neither a robber nor a troublemaker... My clothes should be just behind - oh, they're gone!" Astra did her best to look surprised and distressed. The bailiff did not seem to suspect anything. After all, why should anyone claim to have lost their clothes unless they really had done so? "It seems that you are not the only trespasser that we have had here today, then," he said. "Someone must have stolen your clothes. You had better come with me up to the house, and we will see what we can find in your size." "Couldn't I wait here whilst you bring me some clothes?" Astra asked. "I don't want everyone to see me naked, and I'd rather not leave my horse on its own." She gestured to where Folly was grazing in plain view, not too far away, knowing that the bailiff must already have spotted him. Once the man was safely out of sight, she would reclaim her clothes and her sword, and ride away as fast as she could. "But if I brought you something to wear it probably wouldn't fit you. More importantly, even though I believe your story, I am not supposed to leave unsupervised any intruders that I might find within our hacienda. Also my master, who is up at the house, may well want to question you himself. You can bring your horse with you if you like, though you must lead him rather than ride him. You can wrap my cloak around you to preserve your modesty." He removed his cloak and handed it down to her.
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JH (the dictionary told me that "hacienda" refers to a house and its estate, not just to the house)
5/15/2004 3:37:12 AM
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