and will have all things peaceably ordained. And as for Sir

Daniel, y' are very brave behind his back. But I will be no tale-

bearer; and let that suffice."

"I say no harm of you, Master Richard," returned the peasant. "Y'

are a lad; but when ye come to a man's inches, ye will find ye have

an empty pocket. I say no more: the saints help Sir Daniel's

neighbours, and the Blessed Maid protect his wards!"

"Clipsby," said Richard, "you speak what I cannot hear with honour.

Sir Daniel is my good master, and my guardian."

"Come, now, will ye read me a riddle?" returned Clipsby. "On whose

side is Sir Daniel?"

"I know not," said Dick, colouring a little; for his guardian had

changed sides continually in the troubles of that period, and every

change had brought him some increase of fortune.

"Ay," returned Clipsby, "you, nor no man. For, indeed, he is one

that goes to bed Lancaster and gets up York."

Just then the bridge rang under horse-shoe iron, and the party

turned and saw Bennet Hatch come galloping--a brown-faced, grizzled

fellow, heavy of hand and grim of mien, armed with sword and spear,

a steel salet on his head, a leather jack upon his body. He was a

great man in these parts; Sir Daniel's right hand in peace and war,

and at that time, by his master's interest, bailiff of the hundred.

"Clipsby," he shouted, "off to the Moat House, and send all other

laggards the same gate. Bowyer will give you jack and salet. We

must ride before curfew. Look to it: he that is last at the lych-

gate Sir Daniel shall reward. Look to it right well! I know you

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