was not hearing. He means foully. Hark, else, if his bell be not

stopped!"

Such was the case. The bell rang no longer.

"Nay," said Dick, "I like not that. Nay," he cried again, "I like that

little. What may this betoken? Let us go, by the mass!"

He hath gone east," added Matcham. "Good Dick, let us go westward

straight; I shall not breathe till I have my back turned upon that

leper."

"Jack, y' are too cowardly," replied Dick. "We shall go fair for

Holywood, or as fair, at least, as I can guide you, and that will be due

north."

They were afoot at once, passed the stream upon some stepping-stones, and

began to mount on the other side, which was steeper, towards the margin

of the wood. The ground became very uneven, full of knolls and hollows;

trees grew scattered or in clumps; it became difficult to choose a path,

and the lads somewhat wandered. They were weary, besides, with

yesterday's exertions and the lack of food, and they moved but heavily

and dragged their feet among the sand.

Presently, coming to the top of a knoll, they were aware of the leper,

some hundred feet in front of them, crossing the line of their march by a

hollow. His bell was silent, his staff no longer tapped the ground, and

The Black Arrow