you! Ye leave here a poor maid that loves you entirely, and another that

is most heartily your friend. Be wary, for their sakes, and make not

shipwreck of your safety."

"Ay," added Joanna, "go, Dick. Ye run no more peril, whether ye go or

stay. Go; ye take my heart with you; the saints defend you!"

Dick passed the first sentry with so assured a countenance that the

fellow merely figeted and stared; but at the second landing the man

carried his spear across and bade him name his business.

"Pax vobiscum," answered Dick. "I go to pray over the body of this

poor Rutter."

"Like enough," returned the sentry; "but to go alone is not permitted

you." He leaned over the oaken balusters and whistled shrill. "One

cometh!" he cried; and then motioned Dick to pass.

At the foot of the stair he found the guard afoot and awaiting his

arrival; and when he had once more repeated his story, the commander of

the post ordered four men out to accompany him to the church.

"Let him not slip, my lads," he said. "Bring him to Sir Oliver, on your

lives!"

The door was then opened; one of the men took Dick by either arm, another

marched ahead with a link, and the fourth, with bent bow and the arrow on

The Black Arrow