to what good gentleman have I surrendered?"

But before Dick could answer, a voice spoke in the darkness from close

by. Dick could see the speaker's black and white badge, and the

respectful salute which he addressed to his superior.

"My lord," said he, "if these gentlemen be unfriends to Sir Daniel, it is

pity, indeed, we should have been at blows with them; but it were tenfold

greater that either they or we should linger here. The watchers in the

house--unless they be all dead or deaf--have heard our hammering this

quarter-hour agone; instantly they will have signalled to the town; and

unless we be the livelier in our departure, we are like to be taken, both

of us, by a fresh foe."

Hawksley is in the right," added the lord. "How please ye, sir?

Whither shall we march?"

"Nay, my lord," said Dick, "go where ye will for me. I do begin to

suspect we have some ground of friendship, and if, indeed, I began our

acquaintance somewhat ruggedly, I would not churlishly continue. Let us,

then, separate, my lord, you laying your right hand in mine; and at the

hour and place that ye shall name, let us encounter and agree."

"Y' are too trustful, boy," said the other; "but this time your trust is

not misplaced. I will meet you at the point of day at St. Bride's Cross.

Come, lads, follow!"

The Black Arrow