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The knight heard in silence; but as he listened, his countenance became
convulsed with rage and grief.
"Now here," he cried, "on my right hand, I swear to avenge it! If that I
fail, if that I spill not ten men's souls for each, may this hand wither
from my body! I broke this Duckworth like a rush; I beggared him to his
door; I burned the thatch above his head; I drove him from this country;
and now, cometh he back to beard me? Nay, but, Duckworth, this time it
shall go bitter hard!"
He was silent for some time, his face working.
"Eat!" he cried, suddenly. "And you here," he added to Matcham, "swear
me an oath to follow straight to the Moat House."
"I will pledge mine honour," replied Matcham.
"
What make I with your honour?" cried the knight. "Swear me upon your
mother's welfare!"
Matcham gave the required oath; and Sir Daniel re-adjusted the hood over
his face, and prepared his bell and staff. To see him once more in that
appalling travesty somewhat revived the horror of his two companions.
But the knight was soon upon his feet.
"
Eat with despatch," he said, "and follow me yarely to mine house."
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