For some obscure reason the man’s tone made Jaikie feel more cheerful. This was common vulgar bullying, bluffing on a poor hand. He thought fast. Who did they think he was? He had noticed that at the first sight of him the faces of both men had fallen. Had he been arrested because they believed that he was Prince John?
“I am English,” he said. “An English traveller. Is this the way that Evallonia welcomes visitors?”
“You are English, no doubt, and therefore you are suspect. It is known that the English are closely allied with those who are plotting against our Government.”
“Oh, I see.” Jaikie shrugged his shoulders and grinned. “You think I’m taking a hand in your politics. Well, I’m not. I don’t know the first thing about them, and I care less. But if you’re acting on behalf of the Gov
