And with that he set forth again into the woods; and presently after the

bell began to sound, numbering his steps, and the two 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

The Black Arrow