Call off your dogs, then, and I will bid my villains hold," returned the

other.

There was something noble both in the voice and manner of his late

opponent, and Dick instantly dismissed all fears of treachery.

"Lay down your arms, men!" cried the stranger knight. "I have yielded

me, upon promise of life."

The tone of the stranger was one of absolute command, and almost

instantly the din and confusion of the mellay ceased.

Lawless," cried Dick, "are ye safe?"

Ay," cried Lawless, "safe and hearty."

Light me the lantern," said Dick.

Is not Sir Daniel here?" inquired the knight.

Sir Daniel?" echoed Dick. "Now, by the rood, I pray not. It would go

ill with me if he were."

"Ill with you, fair sir?" inquired the other. "Nay, then, if ye be not

of Sir Daniel's party, I profess I comprehend no longer. Wherefore,

then, fell ye upon mine ambush? in what quarrel, my young and very fiery

friend? to what earthly purpose? and, to make a clear end of questioning,

The Black Arrow