trudge afoot the while you ride my horse; but it is good
wood, I trow."

"Good Dick, forgive me," cried the other. "Nay, y' are
the best heart in England; I but laughed. Forgive me
now, sweet Dick."

"Nay, no fool words," returned Dick, a little embar-
rassed by his companion's warmth. "No harm is done.
I am not touchy, praise the saints."

And at that moment the wind, which was blowing
straight behind them as they went, brought them the
rough flourish of Sir Daniel's trumpeter."

"Hark!" said Dick, "the tucket soundeth."

"Ay," said Matcham, "they have found my flight, and
now I am unhorsed!" and he became pale as death.

"Nay, what cheer!" returned Dick. "Y' have a long
start, and we are near the ferry. And it is I, methinks,
that am unhorsed."

"Alack, I shall be taken!" cried the fugitive. " Dick,
kind Dick, beseech ye help me but a little!"

"Why, now, what aileth thee?" said Dick. "Methinks
I help you very patently. But my heart is sorry for so
spiritless a fellow! And see ye here, John Matcham --
sith John Matcham is your name -- I, Richard Shelton,
tide what betideth, come what may, will see you safe in
Holywood. The saints so do to me again if I default you.
Come, pick me up a good heart, Sir White-face. The way
betters here; spur me the horse. Go faster! faster!
Nay, mind not for me; I can run like a deer."

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