Noon
Said Walter Skinner to himself , `` I will not alarm him , and the sooner he will lead me to his master . '' While Humphrey thought , `` I will not seem to see him , and when I can , I give him the slip . '' So up and down the narrow streets rode these two , Walter Skinner looking fiercely upon the innocent throng , and Humphrey apparently gazing about him with all a countryman 's curiosity . Noon came and Humphrey managed to find a place for himself and horse at an inn . `` I may as well eat and drink , '' he said , `` for what profit is it to be going up and down these narrow streets ? At every turn is this little cock of a king 's man who , though he croweth not with his mouth , doeth so with his looks . I know not for whom he is seeking .