he came upon a roadside inn called "George and the Dragon."

He knocked on the door.

The innkeeper's wife stuck her head out of a window.

"Could ye spare some food please?" he asked.

The woman looked at his wretched condition and said, "No!" - rather sternly.

"Might I have a pint of ale then, please?"

"No!" she snapped again.

"Might I just sleep in your stable please?"

"No!" She was fairly shouting.

He tried again: "Might I please...?"

"What now?" the woman screamed.

"Might I have a word with George?"