numerous and deadly perils, but to bring you into my hands that

have no dearer wish than to assist your father's son. Be but true

to me--and I see y' are true--and betwixt you and me, we shall

bring that false-heart traitor to the death."

"Will ye assault the house?" asked Dick.

"I were mad, indeed, to think of it," returned Ellis. "He hath too

much power; his men gather to him; those that gave me the slip last

night, and by the mass came in so handily for you--those have made

him safe. Nay, Dick, to the contrary, thou and I and my brave

bowmen, we must all slip from this forest speedily, and leave Sir

Daniel free."

"My mind misgiveth me for Jack," said the lad.

"For Jack!" repeated Duckworth. "O, I see, for the wench! Nay,

Dick, I promise you, if there come talk of any marriage we shall

act at once; till then, or till the time is ripe, we shall all

disappear, even like shadows at morning; Sir Daniel shall look east

and west, and see none enemies; he shall think, by the mass, that

he hath dreamed awhile, and hath now awakened in his bed. But our

four eyes, Dick, shall follow him right close, and our four hands--

so help us all the army of the saints!--shall bring that traitor

low!"

Two days later Sir Daniel's garrison had grown to such a strength

that he ventured on a sally, and at the head of some two score

horsemen, pushed without opposition as far as Tunstall hamlet. Not

an arrow flew, not a man stirred in the thicket; the bridge was no

longer guarded, but stood open to all corners; and as Sir Daniel

crossed it, he saw the villagers looking timidly from their doors.

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