ight good-will. And if, by cruel
destiny, it may not be, still ye'll be dear to me. While my heart beats,
it'll be true to you."

"And I," said Dick, "that never cared a straw for any manner of woman
until now, I took to you when I thought ye were a boy. I had a pity to
you, and knew not why. When I would have belted you, the hand failed me.
But when ye owned ye were a maid, Jack--for still I will call you
Jack--I made sure ye were the maid for me. Hark!" he said, breaking
off--"one cometh."

And indeed a heavy tread was now audible in the echoing passage, and the
rats again fled in armies.

Dick reconnoitred his position. The sudden turn gave him a post of
vantage. He could thus shoot in safety from the cover of the wall. But
it was plain the light was too near him, and, running some way forward,
he set down the lamp in the middle of the passage, and then returned to
watch.

Presently, at the far end of the passage, Bennet hove in sight. He
seemed to be alone, and he carried in his hand a burning torch, which
made him the better mark.

"Stand, Bennet!" cried Dick. "Another step, and y'are dead."

"So here ye are," returned Hatch, peering forward into the darkness. "I
see you not. Aha! y' 'ave done wisely, Dick; y' 'ave put your lamp
before you. By my sooth, but, though it was done to shoot my own knave
body, I do rejoice to see ye profit of my lessons! And now, what make
ye? what seek ye here? Why would ye shoot upon an old, kind friend? And
have ye the young gentlewoman there?"

"Nay, Bennet, it is I should question and you answer," replied Dick.
"Why am I in this jeopardy of my life? Why do men come privily to slay
me in my bed? Why am I now fleeing in mine own guardian's strong house,
and from the friends that I have lived among and never injured?"

"Master Dick, Master Dick," said Bennet, "what told I you? Y'are brave,
but the most uncrafty lad that I can think upon!"

"Well," returned Dick, "I see ye know all, and that I am doomed indeed.
It is well. Here, where I am, I stay. Let Sir Daniel get me out if he be
able!"

Hatch was silent for a space.

"Hark ye," he began, "I return to Sir Daniel, to tell him where ye are,
and how posted; for, in truth, it was to that end he sent me. But you,
if ye are no fool, had best be gone ere I return."

"Be gone!" repeated Dick. "I would be gone already, an I wist how. I
cannot move the trap."

"Put me your hand into the corner, and see what ye find there," rep