man longing for vengeance and money; and yet among
those who knew him best, he was thought to be the agent
and emissary of the great King-maker of England, Rich-
ard, Earl of Warwick.

In his absence, at any rate, it fell upon Richard Shelton
to command affairs in Shoreby; and, as he sat at meat,
his mind was full of care, and his face heavy with consid-
eration. It had been determined, between him and the
Lord Foxham, to make one bold stroke that evening, and,
by brute force, to set Joanna free. The obstacles, how-
ever, were many; and as one after another of his scouts
arrived, each brought him more discomfortable news.

Sir Daniel was alarmed by the skirmish of the night
before. He had increased the garrison of the house in the
garden; but not content with that, he had stationed
horsemen in all the neighbouring lanes, so that he might
have instant word of any movement. Meanwhile, in the
court of his mansion, steeds stood saddled, and the riders,
armed at every point, awaited but the signal to ride.

The adventure of the night appeared more and more
difficult of execution, till suddenly Dick's countenance
lightened.

"Lawless!" he cried, "you that were a shipman, can
ye steal me a ship?"

" Master Dick," replied Lawless, "if ye would back me,
I would agree to steal York Minster."

Presently after, these two set forth and descended to the
harbour. It was a considerable basin, lying among sand

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