lads sat by their untasted meal, and heard it die slowly away up

hill into the distance.

"And so ye go to Tunstall?" Dick inquired.

"Yea, verily," said Matcham, "when needs must! I am braver behind

Sir Daniel's back than to his face."

They ate hastily, and set forth along the path through the airy

upper levels of the forest, where great beeches stood apart among

green lawns, and the birds and squirrels made merry on the boughs.

Two hours later, they began to descend upon the other side, and

already, among the tree-tops, saw before them the red walls and

roofs of Tunstall House.

"Here," said Matcham, pausing, "ye shall take your leave of your

friend Jack, whom y' are to see no more. Come, Dick, forgive him

what he did amiss, as he, for his part, cheerfully and lovingly

forgiveth you."

"And wherefore so?" asked Dick. "An we both go to Tunstall, I

shall see you yet again, I trow, and that right often."

"Ye'll never again see poor Jack Matcham," replied the other, "that

was so fearful and burthensome, and yet plucked you from the river;

ye'll not see him more, Dick, by mine honour!" He held his arms

open, and the lads embraced and kissed. "And, Dick," continued

Matcham, "my spirit bodeth ill. Y' are now to see a new Sir

Daniel; for heretofore hath all prospered in his hands exceedingly,

and fortune followed him; but now, methinks, when his fate hath

come upon him, and he runs the adventure of his life, he will prove

but a foul lord to both of us. He may be brave in battle, but he

hath the liar's eye; there is fear in his eye, Dick, and fear is as

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