laughter; it purgeth melancholy. They are no rogues who laugh, good

cousin. Good mine host, lay me a meal now for my cousin, Master John.

Sit ye down, sweetheart, and eat."

"Nay," said Master John, "I will break no bread. Since ye force me to

this sin, I will fast for my soul's interest. But, good mine host, I

pray you of courtesy give me a cup of fair water; I shall be much

beholden to your courtesy indeed."

Ye shall have a dispensation, go to!" cried the knight. "Shalt be well

shriven, by my faith! Content you, then, and eat."

But the lad was obstinate, drank a cup of water, and, once more wrapping

himself closely in his mantle, sat in a far corner, brooding.

In an hour or two, there rose a stir in the village of sentries

challenging and the clatter of arms and horses; and then a troop drew up

by the inn door, and Richard Shelton, splashed with mud, presented

himself upon the threshold.

"Save you, Sir Daniel," he said.

"How! Dickie Shelton!" cried the knight; and at the mention of Dick's

name the other lad looked curiously across. "What maketh Bennet Hatch?"

"Please you, sir knight, to take cognisance of this packet from Sir

Oliver, wherein are all things fully stated," answered Richard,

The Black Arrow