Why, now, what aileth thee?" said Dick. "Methinks I help you very

patently. But my heart is sorry for so spiritless a fellow! And see ye

here, John Matcham--sith John Matcham is your name--I, Richard Shelton,

tide what betideth, come what may, will see you safe in Holywood. The

saints so do to me again if I default you. Come, pick me up a good

heart, Sir White-face. The way betters here; spur me the horse. Go

faster! faster! Nay, mind not for me; I can run like a deer."

So, with the horse trotting hard, and Dick running easily alongside, they

crossed the remainder of the fen, and came out upon the banks of the

river by the ferryman's hut.

The Black Arrow