| 52 | 53 | 54 | 55 | 56 |
| 1 | 88 | 177 | 265 | 353 |
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with a great effort, his face crimson with hurry.
"
"
"
Who goes?" he shouted. "Hugh, who goes?"
'Tis Master Shelton, John," replied the ferryman.
Stand, Dick Shelton!" bawled the man upon the island. "Ye shall have no
hurt, upon the rood! Stand! Back out, Hugh Ferryman."
Dick cried a taunting answer.
"Nay, then, ye shall go afoot," returned the man; and he let drive an
arrow.
The horse, struck by the shaft, lashed out in agony and terror; the boat
capsized, and the next moment all were struggling in the eddies of the
river.
When Dick came up, he was within a yard of the bank; and before his eyes
were clear, his hand had closed on something firm and strong that
instantly began to drag him forward. It was the riding-rod, that
Matcham, crawling forth upon an overhanging willow, had opportunely
thrust into his grasp.
"
By the mass!" cried Dick, as he was helped ashore, "that makes a life I
owe you. I swim like a cannon-ball." And he turned instantly towards
the island.
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