Quarrels followed, sometimes among themselves, some-
times with the men of the patrols; knives were drawn,
blows given and received, and more than one dead body
remained behind upon the snow.

When, a full hour later, the last seamen returned grum-
blingly to the harbour side and his particular tavern, it may
fairly be questioned if he had ever known what manner of
man he was pursuing, but it was absolutely sure that he
had now forgotten. By next morning there were many
strange stories flying; and a little while after, the legend
of the devil's nocturnal visit was an article of faith with all
the lads of Shoreby.

But the return of the last seaman did not, even yet, set
free young Shelton from his cold imprisonment in the
doorway.

For some time after, there was a great activity of pa-
trols; and special parties came forth to make the round of
the place and report to one or other of the great lords,
whose slumbers had been thus unusually broken.

The night was already well spent before Dick ventured
from his hiding-place and came, safe and sound, but ach-
ing with cold and bruises, to the door of the Goat and
Bagpipes. As the law required, there was neither fire nor
candle in the house; but he groped his way into a corner
of the icy guest-room, found an end of a blanket, which he
hitched around his shoulders, and creeping close to the
nearest sleeper, was soon lost in slumber.

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