rudely ordered them away.

"We want no beggars here!" he cried.

But another--although he was as far from recognising Dick and

Lawless--inclined to more moderate counsels.

"Not so," he cried. "We be strong men, and take; these be weak, and

crave; but in the latter end these shall be uppermost and we below. Mind

him not, my father; but come, drink of my cup, and give me a

benediction."

"Y' are men of a light mind, carnal, and accursed," said the monk. "Now,

may the saints forbid that ever I should drink with such companions! But

here, for the pity I bear to sinners, here I do leave you a blessed

relic, the which, for your soul's interest, I bid you kiss and cherish."

So far Lawless thundered upon them like a preaching friar; but with these

words he drew from under his robe a black arrow, tossed it on the board

in front of the three startled outlaws, turned in the same instant, and,

taking Dick along with him, was out of the room and out of sight among

the falling snow before they had time to utter a word or move a finger.

So," he said, "we have proved our false faces, Master Shelton. I will

now adventure my poor carcase where ye please."

Good!" returned Richard. "It irks me to be doing. Set we on for

The Black Arrow