"Nay," cried Dick, "if that be your tune, so be it, and a plague be with

you!"

Each turned aside, and they began walking off severally, with no thought

of the direction, intent solely on their quarrel. But Dick had not gone

ten paces ere his name was called, and Matcham came running after.

"Dick," he said, "it were unmannerly to part so coldly. Here is my hand,

and my heart with it. For all that wherein you have so excellently

served and helped me--not for the form, but from the heart, I thank you.

Fare ye right well."

Well, lad," returned Dick, taking the hand which was offered him, "good

speed to you, if speed you may. But I misdoubt it shrewdly. Y' are too

disputatious." So then they separated for the second time; and presently

it was Dick who was running after Matcham.

Here," he said, "take my cross-bow; shalt not go unarmed."

A cross-bow!" said Matcham. "Nay, boy, I have neither the strength to

bend nor yet the skill to aim with it. It were no help to me, good boy.

But yet I thank you."

The night had now fallen, and under the trees they could no longer read

each other's face.

"I will go some little way with you," said Dick. "The night is dark. I

The Black Arrow