All this while the two lads had listened and lain close; only Richard had

unslung his cross-bow, and held ready in one hand the windac, or

grappling-iron that he used to bend it. Otherwise they had not dared to

stir; and this scene of forest life had gone on before their eyes like a

scene upon a theatre. But now there came a strange interruption. The

tall chimney which over-topped the remainder of the ruins rose right

above their hiding-place. There came a whistle in the air, and then a

sounding smack, and the fragments of a broken arrow fell about their

ears. Some one from the upper quarters of the wood, perhaps the very

sentinel they saw posted in the fir, had shot an arrow at the

chimney-top.

Matcham could not restrain a little cry, which he instantly stifled, and

even Dick started with surprise, and dropped the windac from his fingers.

But to the fellows on the lawn, this shaft was an expected signal. They

were all afoot together, tightening their belts, testing their

bow-strings, loosening sword and dagger in the sheath. Ellis held up his

hand; his face had suddenly assumed a look of savage energy; the white of

his eyes shone in his sun-brown face.

"Lads," he said, "ye know your places. Let not one man's soul escape

you. Appleyard was a whet before a meal; but now we go to table. I have

three men whom I will bitterly avenge--Harry Shelton, Simon Malmesbury,

and"--striking his broad bosom--"and Ellis Duckworth, by the mass!"

Another man came, red with hurry, through the thorns.

The Black Arrow