come to the outskirts of the
country. Shoreby was an open town, and though the Lancastrian lords who
lay there kept a strong guard on the main roads, it was still possible
to enter or depart unseen by any of the lesser streets or across the
open country.

The lane which Sir Daniel had been following came to an abrupt end.
Before him there was a stretch of rough down, and the noise of the
sea-surf was audible upon one hand. There were no guards in the
neighbourhood, nor any light in that quarter of the town.

Dick and his two outlaws drew a little closer to the object of their
chase, and presently, as they came forth from between the houses and
could see a little farther upon either hand, they were aware of another
torch drawing near from another direction.

"Hey," said Dick, "I smell treason."

Meanwhile, Sir Daniel had come to a full halt. The torches were stuck
into the sand, and the men lay down, as if to await the arrival of the
other party.

This drew near at a good rate. It consisted of four men only--a pair of
archers, a varlet with a link, and a cloaked gentleman walking in their
midst.

"Is it you, my lord?" cried Sir Daniel.

"It is I, indeed; and if ever true knight gave proof I am that man,"
replied the leader of the second troop; "for who would not rather face
giants, sorcerers, or pagans, than this pinching cold?"

"My lord," returned Sir Daniel, "beauty will be the more beholden,
misdoubt it not. But shall we forth? for the sooner ye have seen my
merchandise, the sooner shall we both get home."

"But why keep ye her here, good knight?" inquired the other. "An she be
so young, and so fair, and so wealthy, why do ye not bring her forth
among her mates? Ye would soon make her a good marriage, and no need to
freeze your fingers and risk arrow-shots by going abroad at such
untimely seasons in the dark."

"I have told you, my lord," replied Sir Daniel, "the reason thereof
concerneth me only. Neither do I purpose to explain it further. Suffice
it, that if ye be weary of your old gossip, Daniel Brackley, publish it
abroad that y'are to wed Joanna Sedley, and I give you my word ye will
be quit of him right soon. Ye will find him with an arrow in his back."

Meantime the two gentlemen were walking briskly forward over the down;
the three torches going before them, stooping against the wind and
scattering clouds of smoke and tufts of flame, and the rear brought up
by the six archers.

Close upon the