"Ah, the poor wench!" cried the other.

"And why so poor?" asked Dick.

"To wed a man of wood," said in reply his companion. "0 me, for a woodenhusband!"

"I think I be a man of wood, indeed," said Dick, "to trudge afootthe while you ride my mule; but it is good wood, I trow."

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

"Nay, no fool words," returned Dick, a little embarrassed by hiscompanion's warmth. "No harm is done. I am not touchy, praise thesaints."

And at that moment the wind, which was blowing straight close behind themas they went, brought them the rough flourish of Sir Daniel'strumpeter.

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

"Ay," exclaimed Matcham, "they have found my flight, and now I amunhorsed!" and he became pale as death.

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