my demands. Beseech you, my lord, take place upon
these steps, hear me to a full end, and judge me with
allowance."

And so saying, Dick lent a hand to Lord Foxham to
dismount; led him up the knoll to the cross; installed him
in the place where he had himself been sitting; and stand-
ing respectfully before his noble prisoner, related the
story of his fortunes up to the events of the evening before.

Lord Foxham listened gravely, and when Dick had done,
" Master Shelton," he said, "ye are a most fortunate-un-
fortunate young gentleman; but what fortune y' 'ave had,
that ye have amply merited; and what unfortune, ye have
noways deserved. Be of a good cheer; for ye have made
a friend who is devoid neither of power nor favour. For
yourself, although it fits not for a person of your birth to
herd with outlaws, I must own ye are both brave and
honourable; very dangerous in battle, right courteous
in peace; a youth of excellent disposition and brave bear-
ing. For your estates, ye will never see them till the
world shall change again; so long as Lancaster hath the
strong hand, so long shall Sir Daniel enjoy them for his
own. For my ward, it is another matter; I had promised
her before to a gentleman, a kinsman of my house, one
Hamley; the promise is old----"

"Ay, my lord, and now Sir Daniel bath promised her
to my Lord Shoreby," interrupted Dick. "And his
promise, for all it is but young, is still the likelier to be
made good."

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