CHAPTER IV--THE GOOD HOPE

An hour thereafter, Dick was back at the Goat and Bagpipes, breaking his

fast, and receiving the report of his messengers and sentries. Duckworth

was still absent from Shoreby; and this was frequently the case, for he

played many parts in the world, shared many different interests, and

conducted many various affairs. He had founded that fellowship of the

Black Arrow, as a ruined man longing for vengeance and money; and yet

among those who knew him best, he was thought to be the agent and

emissary of the great King-maker of England, Richard, Earl of Warwick.

In his absence, at any rate, it fell upon Richard Shelton to command

affairs in Shoreby; and, as he sat at meat, his mind was full of care,

and his face heavy with consideration. It had been determined, between

him and the Lord Foxham, to make one bold stroke that evening, and, by

brute force, to set Joanna free. The obstacles, however, were many; and

as one after another of his scouts arrived, each brought him more

discomfortable news.

Sir Daniel was alarmed by the skirmish of the night before. He had

increased the garrison of the house in the garden; but not content with

that, he had stationed horsemen in all the neighbouring lanes, so that he

might have instant word of any movement. Meanwhile, in the court of his

mansion, steeds stood saddled, and the riders, armed at every point,

awaited but the signal to ride.

The Black Arrow