this was the very thickest of the ambush, joined in this cruel and

untimely mirth. Then an arrow glanced over Selden's shoulder; and he

leaped and ran a little back. Another dart struck quivering at his heel.

He made for the cover. A third shaft leaped out right in his face, and

fell short in front of him. And then the laughter was repeated loudly,

rising and reechoing from different thickets.

It was plain that his assailants were but baiting him, as men, in those

days, baited the poor bull, or as the cat still trifles with the mouse.

The skirmish was well over; farther down the road, a fellow in green was

already calmly gathering the arrows; and now, in the evil pleasure of

their hearts, they gave themselves the spectacle of their poor

fellow-sinner in his torture.

Selden began to understand; he uttered a roar of anger, shouldered his

cross-bow, and sent a quarrel at a venture into the wood. Chance

favoured him, for a slight cry responded. Then, throwing down his

weapon, Selden began to run before him up the glade, and almost in a

straight line for Dick and Matcham.

The companions of the Black Arrow now began to shoot in earnest. But

they were properly served; their chance had past; most of them had now to

shoot against the sun; and Selden, as he ran, bounded from side to side

to baffle and deceive their aim. Best of all, by turning up the glade he

had defeated their preparations; there were no marksmen posted higher up

than the one whom he had just killed or wounded; and the confusion of the

foresters' counsels soon became apparent. A whistle sounded thrice, and

The Black Arrow