of his companion's character, hastily produced, reviewed, and buried his

papers. One only he reserved to carry along with him, since it in nowise

compromised his friends, and yet might serve him, in a pinch, against Sir

Daniel. That was the knight's own letter to Lord Wensleydale, sent by

Throgmorton, on the morrow of the defeat at Risingham, and found next day

by Dick upon the body of the messenger.

Then, treading down the embers of the fire, Dick left the den, and

rejoined the old outlaw, who stood awaiting him under the leafless oaks,

and was already beginning to be powdered by the falling snow. Each

looked upon the other, and each laughed, so thorough and so droll was the

disguise.

Yet I would it were but summer and a clear day," grumbled the outlaw,

that I might see myself in the mirror of a pool. There be many of Sir

Daniel's men that know me; and if we fell to be recognised, there might

be two words for you, brother, but as for me, in a paternoster while, I

should be kicking in a rope's-end."

Thus they set forth together along the road to Shoreby, which, in this

part of its course, kept near along the margin or the forest, coming

forth, from time to time, in the open country, and passing beside poor

folks' houses and small farms.

Presently at sight of one of these, Lawless pulled up.

Brother Martin," he said, in a voice capitally disguised, and suited to

The Black Arrow