And I," said Dick, "that never cared a straw for any manner of woman

until now, I took to you when I thought ye were a boy. I had a pity to

you, and knew not why. When I would have belted you, the hand failed me.

But when ye owned ye were a maid, Jack--for still I will call you Jack--I

made sure ye were the maid for me. Hark!" he said, breaking off--"one

cometh."

And indeed a heavy tread was now audible in the echoing passage, and the

rats again fled in armies.

Dick reconnoitred his position. The sudden turn gave him a post of

vantage. He could thus shoot in safety from the cover of the wall. But

it was plain the light was too near him, and, running some way forward,

he set down the lamp in the middle of the passage, and then returned to

watch.

Presently, at the far end of the passage, Bennet hove in sight. He

seemed to be alone, and he carried in his hand a burning torch, which

made him the better mark.

Stand, Bennet!" cried Dick. "Another step, and y' are dead."

"So here ye are," returned Hatch, peering forward into the darkness. "I

see you not. Aha! y' 'ave done wisely, Dick; y' 'ave put your lamp

before you. By my sooth, but, though it was done to shoot my own knave

body, I do rejoice to see ye profit of my lessons! And now, what make

ye? what seek ye here? Why would ye shoot upon an old, kind friend? And

The Black Arrow