| 261 | 262 | 263 | 264 | 265 |
| 1 | 88 | 177 | 265 | 353 |
|
"It is my own estate, even as ye say!" returned the earl. "I am your
bedesman for this letter. It hath shown me a fox's hole. Command me,
Master Shelton; I will not be backward in gratitude, and to begin with,
York or Lancaster, true man or thief, I do now set you at freedom. Go, a
Mary's name! But judge it right that I retain and hang your fellow,
Lawless. The crime hath been most open, and it were fitting that some
open punishment should follow."
"My lord, I make it my first suit to you to spare him also," pleaded
Dick.
"
It is an old, condemned rogue, thief, and vagabond, Master Shelton,"
said the earl. "He hath been gallows-ripe this score of years. And,
whether for one thing or another, whether to-morrow or the day after,
where is the great choice?"
"Yet, my lord, it was through love to me that he came hither," answered
Dick, "and I were churlish and thankless to desert him."
"Master Shelton, ye are troublesome," replied the earl, severely. "It is
an evil way to prosper in this world. Howbeit, and to be quit of your
importunity, I will once more humour you. Go, then, together; but go
warily, and get swiftly out of Shoreby town. For this Sir Daniel (whom
may the saints confound!) thirsteth most greedily to have your blood."
"My lord, I do now offer you in words my gratitude, trusting at some
Page
Quick Jump
|