Joanna, and why should I complain?"

And then, from the further side of the encampment, there came a little

whistle, announcing that his men had joined, and the investment was

complete.

Bennet, at the sound, started to his feet; but ere he had time to spring

upon his arms, Dick hailed him.

"Bennet," he said--"Bennet, old friend, yield ye. Ye will but spill

men's lives in vain, if ye resist."

"'Tis Master Shelton, by St. Barbary!" cried Hatch. "Yield me? Ye ask

much. What force have ye?"

I tell you, Bennet, ye are both outnumbered and begirt," said Dick.

Caesar and Charlemagne would cry for quarter. I have two score men at

my whistle, and with one shoot of arrows I could answer for you all."

"Master Dick," said Bennet, "it goes against my heart; but I must do my

duty. The saints help you!" And therewith he raised a little tucket to

his mouth and wound a rousing call.

Then followed a moment of confusion; for while Dick, fearing for the

ladies, still hesitated to give the word to shoot, Hatch's little band

sprang to their weapons and formed back to back as for a fierce

resistance. In the hurry of their change of place, Joanna sprang from

The Black Arrow