Shoreby. At the same time, the very ecclesiastics who had been so

dismally engaged all night began to put on morning faces, to do honour to

the merrier ceremony which was about to follow. And further to announce

the coming of the day, the pious of the town began to assemble and fall

to prayer before their favourite shrines, or wait their turn at the

confessionals.

Favoured by this stir, it was of course easily possible for any man to

avoid the vigilance of Sir Daniel's sentries at the door; and presently

Dick, looking about him wearily, caught the eye of no less a person than

Will Lawless, still in his monk's habit.

The outlaw, at the same moment, recognised his leader, and privily signed

to him with hand and eye.

Now, Dick was far from having forgiven the old rogue his most untimely

drunkenness, but he had no desire to involve him in his own predicament;

and he signalled back to him, as plain as he was able, to begone.

Lawless, as though he had understood, disappeared at once behind a

pillar, and Dick breathed again.

What, then, was his dismay to feel himself plucked by the sleeve and to

find the old robber installed beside him, upon the next seat, and, to all

appearance, plunged in his devotions!

Instantly Sir Oliver arose from his place, and, gliding behind the

The Black Arrow