Part 29 (1/2)

”Give it ht And when he had taken into his hand the shaft, he continued for so ”Ay,” he said, addressing Lord Shoreby, ”here is a hate that followeth hard and close upon my heels This black stick, or its just likeness, shall yet bring ht to counsel you; and if these hounds begin to wind you, flee! 'Tis like a sickness--it still hangeth, hangeth upon the liht, my lord; y' are marked, like an old oak, by the woodman; to-morrow or next day, by will come the axe But rote ye in a letter?”

Lord Shoreby snatched the paper from the arrow, read it, cru the reluctance which had hitherto withheld hi, threw hiroped in the wallet

He rose to his feet with a somewhat unsettled countenance

”Gossip,” he said, ”I have indeed lost a letter here that much imported; and could I lay race a halter But let us, first of all, secure the issues of the house Here is enough hare!”

Sentinels were posted close around the house and garden; a sentinel on every landing of the stair, a whole troop in the main entrance-hall; and yet another about the bonfire in the shed Sir Daniel's folloere supplemented by Lord Shoreby's; there was thus no lack of men or weapons toenemy, should one be there

Meanwhile, the body of the spy was carried out through the falling snow and deposited in the abbey church

It was not until these dispositions had been taken, and all had returned to a decorous silence, that the two girls drew Richard Shelton from his place of concealment, and made a full report to him of what had passed

He, upon his side, recounted the visit of the spy, his dangerous discovery, and speedy end

Joanna leaned back very faint against the curtained wall

”It will avail but little,” she said ”I shall be wed to-, after all!”

”What!” cried her friend ”And here is our paladin that driveth lions like mice! Ye have little faith, of a surety But coive us some comfort; speak, and let us hear bold counsels”

dick was confounded to be thus outfaced with his own exaggerated words; but though he coloured, he still spoke stoutly

”Truly,” said he, ”we are in straits Yet, could I but win out of this house for half an hour, I do honestly tell e, it should be prevented”

”And for the lions,” irl, ”they shall be driven”

”I crave your excuse,” said dick ”I speak not now in any boasting hu after help or counsel; for if I get not forth of this house and through these sentinels, I can do less than naught Take htly”

”Why said ye he was rustic, Joan?” the girl inquired ”I warrant he hath a tongue in his head; ready, soft, and bold is his speech at pleasure

What would ye hed Joanna, with a sh When I beheld hih indeed But it matters little; there is no help for my hard case, and I must still be Lady Shoreby!”

”Nay, then,” said dick, ”I will even arded; and if I found a good fairy to lead me up, I may find another belike to carry me down How call they the na lady; ”and an excellent good name to call him by But how mean ye, lion-driver? What is in your o forth,” returned dick; ”and if any stop o to pray for Rutter They will be praying over his poor clay even now”

”The device is soirl, ”yet itShelton, ”it is no device, but reat straits”

”Ye say true,” she said ”Well, go, a-Mary's name, and may Heaven speed you! Ye leave here a poor maid that loves you entirely, and another that is most heartily your friend Be wary, for their sakes, and make not shi+pwreck of your safety”

”Ay,” added Joanna, ”go, dick Ye run no o or stay Go; ye take my heart with you; the saints defend you!”

dick passed the first sentry with so assured a countenance that the fellowthe man carried his spear across and bade him name his business

”_Pax vobiscuo to pray over the body of this poor Rutter”