"And so," said Pirret, "y' are one of these?"

"I was made so," replied Dick, "against my will; but an I could but get a

sack or two of gold coin to my share, I should be a fool indeed to

continue dwelling in a filthy cave, and standing shot and buffet like a

soldier. Here be we four; good! Let us, then, go forth into the forest

to-morrow ere the sun be up. Could we come honestly by a donkey, it were

better; but an we cannot, we have our four strong backs, and I warrant me

we shall come home staggering."

Pirret licked his lips.

And this magic," he said--"this password, whereby the cave is

opened--how call ye it, friend?"

Nay, none know the word but the three chiefs," returned Dick; "but here

is your great good fortune, that, on this very evening, I should be the

bearer of a spell to open it. It is a thing not trusted twice a year

beyond the captain's wallet."

"A spell!" said Arblaster, half awakening, and squinting upon Dick with

one eye. "Aroint thee! no spells! I be a good Christian. Ask my man

Tom, else."

"Nay, but this is white magic," said Dick. "It doth naught with the

devil; only the powers of numbers, herbs, and planets."

The Black Arrow