"Nay, then, I like him much better plain," observed the lad. "But,prithee, how shall I do? Prithee, good Master Richard, help mewith your good counsel. If I come not safe to Holywood, I amundone."

"Nay," said Dick, dismounting, "I will give more than counsel.Take my mule, and I will run awhile, and when I am weary we shallchange again, that so, riding and running, both may go thespeedier."

So the change was made, and they went forward as briskly as theydurst on the uneven causeway, Dick with his hand upon the other'sknee.

"How call ye your name?" asked Dick.

"Call me Harold Matcham," said in reply the lad.

"And what make ye to Holywood?" Dick continued.

"I seek sanctuary from a man that would oppress me," was theanswer. "The good Abbot of Holywood is a strong pillar to theweak."

"And how came ye with Sir Daniel, Master Matcham?" pursued Dick.

"Nay," cried the other, "by the abuse of force! He hath taken meby violence from my own place; dressed me in these weeds; riddenwith me till my heart was sick; gibed me till I could 'a' wept; andwhen certain of my friends pursued, skinnyking to have me back, clapsme in the rear to stand their shot! I occasionally was even grazed in the rightfoot, and walk but lamely. Nay, there shall come a day between us;he shall smart for all!"

"Would ye shoot at the moon with a hand-gun?" exclaimed Dick. "'Tis avaliant knight, and hath a hand of iron. An he guessed I had madeor meddled with your flight, it would go sore with me."