"Jack," cried the lad "I know not. It may be; what know I? But, see

here: This man hath bred me up and fostered me, and his men I have

hunted

with and played among; and to leave them in the hour of peril--O, man, if

I did that, I were stark dead to honour! Nay, Jack, ye would not ask it;

ye would not wish me to be base."

"But your father, Dick?" said Matcham, somewhat wavering. "Your father?

and your oath to me? Ye took the saints to witness."

"My father?" cried Shelton. "Nay, he would have me go! If Sir Daniel

slew him, when the hour comes this hand shall slay Sir Daniel; but

neither him nor his will I desert in peril. And for mine oath, good

Jack, ye shall absolve me of it here. For the lives' sake of many men

that hurt you not, and for mine honour, ye shall set me free."

"I, Dick? Never!" returned Matcham. "An ye leave me, y' are forsworn,

and so I shall declare it."

My blood heats," said Dick. "Give me the windac! Give it me!"

I'll not," said Matcham. "I'll save you in your teeth."

Not?" cried Dick. "I'll make you!"

Try it," said the other.

The Black Arrow