arrows. 'The arrow that flieth by day,' saith the evangel; I have no

mind of the context; nay, I am a sluggard priest, I am too deep in men's

affairs. Well, let us ride forth, Master Hatch. The jackmen should be

at the church by now."

So they rode forward down the road, with the wind after them, blowing the

tails of the parson's cloak; and behind them, as they went, clouds began

to arise and blot out the sinking sun. They had passed three of the

scattered houses that make up Tunstall hamlet, when, coming to a turn,

they saw the church before them. Ten or a dozen houses clustered

immediately round it; but to the back the churchyard was next the

meadows. At the lych-gate, near a score of men were gathered, some in

the saddle, some standing by their horses' heads. They were variously

armed and mounted; some with spears, some with bills, some with bows,

and

some bestriding plough-horses, still splashed with the mire of the

furrow; for these were the very dregs of the country, and all the better

men and the fair equipments were already with Sir Daniel in the field.

We have not done amiss, praised be the cross of Holywood! Sir Daniel

will be right well content," observed the priest, inwardly numbering the

troop.

"Who goes? Stand! if ye be true!" shouted Bennet. A man was seen

slipping through the churchyard among the yews; and at the sound of this

summons he discarded all concealment, and fairly took to his heels for

the forest. The men at the gate, who had been hitherto unaware of the

The Black Arrow