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promises, boys--I spare not to promise. What, then, is lacking? Nay, a
great thing--wherefore should I deceive you?--a great thing and a
difficult: a messenger to bear it. The woods--y' are not ignorant of
that--lie thick with our ill-willers. Haste is most needful; but without
sleight and caution all is naught. Which, then, of this company will
take me this letter, bear me it to my Lord of Wensleydale, and bring me
the answer back?"
One man instantly arose.
"I will, an't like you," said he. "I will even risk my carcase."
"Nay, Dicky Bowyer, not so," returned the knight. "It likes me not. Y'
are sly indeed, but not speedy. Ye were a laggard ever."
"An't be so, Sir Daniel, here am I," cried another.
"
The saints forfend!" said the knight. "Y' are speedy, but not sly. Ye
would blunder me headforemost into John Amend-All's camp. I thank you
both for your good courage; but, in sooth, it may not be."
Then Hatch offered himself, and he also was refused.
"I want you here, good Bennet; y' are my right hand, indeed," returned
the knight; and then several coming forward in a group, Sir Daniel at
length selected one and gave him the letter.
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