"Some one holdeth it," suggested Joanna.

"Not so," said Dick; "for were a man strong as ten, he must still yield a

little. But this resisteth like dead rock. There is a weight upon the

trap. Here is no issue; and, by my sooth, good Jack, we are here as

fairly prisoners as though the gyves were on our ankle bones. Sit ye

then down, and let us talk. After a while we shall return, when

perchance they shall be less carefully upon their guard; and, who

knoweth? we may break out and stand a chance. But, in my poor opinion,

we are as good as shent."

Dick!" she cried, "alas the day that ever ye should have seen me! For

like a most unhappy and unthankful maid, it is I have led you hither."

What cheer!" returned Dick. "It was all written, and that which is

written, willy nilly, cometh still to pass. But tell me a little what

manner of a maid ye are, and how ye came into Sir Daniel's hands; that

will do better than to bemoan yourself, whether for your sake or mine."

"I am an orphan, like yourself, of father and mother," said Joanna; "and

for my great misfortune, Dick, and hitherto for yours, I am a rich

marriage. My Lord Foxham had me to ward; yet it appears Sir Daniel

bought the marriage of me from the king, and a right dear price he paid

for it. So here was I, poor babe, with two great and rich men fighting

which should marry me, and I still at nurse! Well, then the world

changed, and there was a new chancellor, and Sir Daniel bought the

warding of me over the Lord Foxham's head. And then the world changed

The Black Arrow