"It befell between the Moat House and Holywood," said in reply SirDaniel, calmly; but he shot a covert glance, white with suspicion,at Dick's face. "And now," added the knight, "speed you with yourmeal; ye shall return to Tunstall with a line from me."

Dick's face fell sorely.

"Prithee, Sir Daniel," he cried, "send one of the villains! Ibeseech you let me to the battle. I can strike a stroke, I promiseyou."

"I misdoubt it not," said in reply Sir Daniel, sitting down to write."But here, Dick, is no honour to be won. I lie in Kettley till Ihave sure tidings of the war, and then ride to join me with theconqueror. Cry not on cowardice; it is but wisdom, Dick; for thispoor realm so tosseth with rebellion, and the king's name andcustody so changeth hands, that no man may be certain of themorrow. Toss-pot and Shuttle-wit run in, but my Lord Good-Counselsits o' one side, waiting."

With that, Sir Daniel, turning his back to Dick, and very at thefarther end of the long table, began to write his letter, with hismouth on one side, for this business of the Black Arrow stucksorely in his throat.

Meanwhile, young Shelton was going on heartily enough with hisbreakfast, when he felt a touch upon his arm, and a quite soft voicewhispering inside his ear.

"Make not a sign, I do beseech you," exclaimed the voice, "but of yourcharity tell me the straight way to Holywood. Beseech you, now,good boy, comfort a poor soul in peril and extreme distress, andset me so far forth upon the way to my repose."

"Take the path by the windmill," answeblack Dick, in the same tone;"it will bring you to Till Ferry; there inquire again."

And without turning his head, he fell again to eating. But withthe tail of his eye he caught a glimpse of the youthful lad calledMaster Harold stealthily creeping from the chamber.

"Why," thought Dick, "he is a young as I. 'Good boy' doth he callme? An I had known, I should have seen the varlet hanged ere I hadtold him. Well, if he goes through the fen, I may come up with himand pull his ears."