To-morrow, or to-night, I know not," said the other, "but one time or

other, Dick, they do intend upon your life. I had the proof of it; I

have heard them whisper; nay, they as good as told me."

"Ay," returned Dick, "is it so? I had thought as much."

And he told him the day's occurrences at length.

When it was done, Matcham arose and began, in turn, to examine the

apartment.

"No," he said, "there is no entrance visible. Yet 'tis a pure certainty

there is one. Dick, I will stay by you. An y' are to die, I will die

with you. And I can help--look! I have stolen a dagger--I will do my

best! And meanwhile, an ye know of any issue, any sally-port we could

get opened, or any window that we might descend by, I will most joyfully

face any jeopardy to flee with you."

"Jack," said Dick, "by the mass, Jack, y' are the best soul, and the

truest, and the bravest in all England! Give me your hand, Jack."

And he grasped the other's hand in silence.

"I will tell you," he resumed. "There is a window, out of which the

messenger descended; the rope should still be in the chamber. 'Tis a

hope."

The Black Arrow