plain how little this proceeding pleased them; for they argued very

rightly that they would simply have to pay them twice.

As soon as he knew what had brought Lawless, Ellis dismissed the

remainder of the tenants, and, with every mark of interest and

apprehension, conducted Dick into an inner chamber of the inn. There the

lad's hurts were looked to; and he was recalled, by simple remedies, to

consciousness.

Dear lad," said Ellis, pressing his hand, "y' are in a friend's hands

that loved your father, and loves you for his sake. Rest ye a little

quietly, for ye are somewhat out of case. Then shall ye tell me your

story, and betwixt the two of us we shall find a remedy for all."

A little later in the day, and after Dick had awakened from a comfortable

slumber to find himself still very weak, but clearer in mind and easier

in body, Ellis returned, and sitting down by the bedside, begged him, in

the name of his father, to relate the circumstance of his escape from

Tunstall Moat House. There was something in the strength of Duckworth's

frame, in the honesty of his brown face, in the clearness and shrewdness

of his eyes, that moved Dick to obey him; and from first to last the lad

told him the story of his two days' adventures.

Well," said Ellis, when he had done, "see what the kind saints have done

for you, Dick Shelton, not alone to save your body in so numerous and

deadly perils, but to bring you into my hands that have no dearer wish

than to assist your father's son. Be but true to me--and I see y' are

The Black Arrow