The lad replied in the affirmative.

"It bears your father's name," continued the knight; "and our poor

shrew of a parson is, by some mad soul, accused of slaying him."

"He did most eagerly deny it," answered Dick.

"He did?" cried the knight, very sharply. "Heed him not. He has a

loose tongue; he babbles like a jack-sparrow. Some day, when I may

find the leisure, Dick, I will myself more fully inform you of

these matters. There was one Duckworth shrewdly blamed for it; but

the times were troubled, and there was no justice to be got."

"It befell at the Moat House?" Dick ventured, with a beating at his

heart.

"It befell between the Moat House and Holywood," replied Sir

Daniel, calmly; but he shot a covert glance, black with suspicion,

at Dick's face. "And now," added the knight, "speed you with your

meal; ye shall return to Tunstall with a line from me."

Dick's face fell sorely.

"Prithee, Sir Daniel," he cried, "send one of the villains! I

beseech you let me to the battle. I can strike a stroke, I promise

you."

"I misdoubt it not," replied Sir Daniel, sitting down to write.

"But here, Dick, is no honour to be won. I lie in Kettley till I

have sure tidings of the war, and then ride to join me with the

conqueror. Cry not on cowardice; it is but wisdom, Dick; for this

poor realm so tosseth with rebellion, and the king's name and

custody so changeth hands, that no man may be certain of the

morrow. Toss-pot and Shuttle-wit run in, but my Lord Good-Counsel

sits o' one side, waiting."

With that, Sir Daniel, turning his back to Dick, and quite at the

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