With that, Sir Daniel, turning his back to Dick, and quite at the farther

end of the long table, began to write his letter, with his mouth on one

side, for this business of the Black Arrow stuck sorely in his throat.

Meanwhile, young Shelton was going on heartily enough with his breakfast,

when he felt a touch upon his arm, and a very soft voice whispering in

his ear.

Make not a sign, I do beseech you," said the voice, "but of your charity

tell me the straight way to Holywood. Beseech you, now, good boy,

comfort a poor soul in peril and extreme distress, and set me so far

forth upon the way to my repose."

Take the path by the windmill," answered Dick, in the same tone; "it

will bring you to Till Ferry; there inquire again."

And without turning his head, he fell again to eating. But with the tail

of his eye he caught a glimpse of the young lad called Master John

stealthily creeping from the room.

Why," thought Dick, "he is a young as I. 'Good boy' doth he call me?

An I had known, I should have seen the varlet hanged ere I had told him.

Well, if he goes through the fen, I may come up with him and pull his

ears."

Half an hour later, Sir Daniel gave Dick the letter, and bade him speed

to the Moat House. And, again, some half an hour after Dick's departure,

The Black Arrow