"To wed a man of wood," replied his companion. "O me, for a wooden

husband!"

"I think I be a man of wood, indeed," said Dick, "to trudge afoot the

while you ride my horse; but it is good wood, I trow."

Good Dick, forgive me," cried the other. "Nay, y' are the best heart in

England; I but laughed. Forgive me now, sweet Dick."

"Nay, no fool words," returned Dick, a little embarrassed by his

companion's warmth. "No harm is done. I am not touchy, praise the

saints."

And at that moment the wind, which was blowing straight behind them as

they went, brought them the rough flourish of Sir Daniel's trumpeter.

Hark!" said Dick, "the tucket soundeth."

Ay," said Matcham, "they have found my flight, and now I am unhorsed!"

and he became pale as death.

"Nay, what cheer!" returned Dick. "Y' have a long start, and we are near

the ferry. And it is I, methinks, that am unhorsed."

"Alack, I shall be taken!" cried the fugitive. "Dick, kind Dick, beseech

ye help me but a little!"

The Black Arrow