much I think is certain: since I serve with Ellis Duckworth, I serve the

house of York. Well, if that be so, I declare for York."

"It is well," returned the other; "it is exceeding well. For, truly, had

ye said Lancaster, I wot not for the world what I had done. But sith ye

are for York, follow me. I came hither but to watch these lords at

Shoreby, while mine excellent young lord, Richard of Gloucester, {1}

prepareth a sufficient force to fall upon and scatter them. I have made

me notes of their strength, what watch they keep, and how they lie; and

these I was to deliver to my young lord on Sunday, an hour before noon,

at St. Bride's Cross beside the forest. This tryst I am not like to

keep, but I pray you, of courtesy, to keep it in my stead; and see that

not pleasure, nor pain, tempest, wound, nor pestilence withhold you from

the hour and place, for the welfare of England lieth upon this cast."

"I do soberly take this up on me," said Dick. "In so far as in me lieth,

your purpose shall be done."

"It is good," said the wounded man. "My lord duke shall order you

farther, and if ye obey him with spirit and good will, then is your

fortune made. Give me the lamp a little nearer to mine eyes, till that I

write these words for you."

He wrote a note "to his worshipful kinsman, Sir John Hamley;" and then a

second, which he-left without external superscripture.

"This is for the duke," he said. "The word is 'England and Edward,' and

The Black Arrow