a pity to you, and knew not why. When I would have belted you, the

hand failed me. But when ye owned ye were a maid, Jack--for still

I will call you Jack--I made sure ye were the maid for me. Hark!"

he said, breaking off--"one cometh."

And indeed a heavy tread was now audible in the echoing passage,

and the rats again fled in armies.

Dick reconnoitred his position. The sudden turn gave him a post of

vantage. He could thus shoot in safety from the cover of the wall.

But it was plain the light was too near him, and, running some way

forward, he set down the lamp in the middle of the passage, and

then returned to watch.

Presently, at the far end of the passage, Bennet hove in sight. He

seemed to be alone, and he carried in his hand a burning torch,

which made him the better mark.

"Stand, Bennet!" cried Dick. "Another step, and y' are dead."

"So here ye are," returned Hatch, peering forward into the

darkness. "I see you not. Aha! y' 'ave done wisely, Dick; y' 'ave

put your lamp before you. By my sooth, but, though it was done to

shoot my own knave body, I do rejoice to see ye profit of my

lessons! And now, what make ye? what seek ye here? Why would ye

shoot upon an old, kind friend? And have ye the young gentlewoman

there?"

"Nay, Bennet, it is I should question and you answer," replied

Dick. "Why am I in this jeopardy of my life? Why do men come

privily to slay me in my bed? Why am I now fleeing in mine own

guardian's strong house, and from the friends that I have lived

among and never injured?"

"Master Dick, Master Dick," said Bennet, "what told I you? Y' are

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