stant in a
startled glance. He had some cause for thought; for this Sir Harry
Shelton was his own natural father. But he said never a word, and kept
his countenance unmoved.

Hatch and Sir Oliver discussed together for awhile their altered
situation; ten men, it was decided between them, should be reserved, not
only to garrison the Moat House, but to escort the priest across the
wood. In the meantime, as Bennet was to remain behind, the command of
the reinforcement was given to Master Shelton. Indeed, there was no
choice; the men were loutish fellows, dull and unskilled in war, while
Dick was not only popular, but resolute and grave beyond his age.
Although his youth had been spent in these rough, country places, the
lad had been well taught in letters by Sir Oliver, and Hatch himself had
shown him the management of arms and the first principles of command.
Bennet had always been kind and helpful; he was one of those who are
cruel as the grave to those they call their enemies, but ruggedly
faithful and well willing to their friends; and now, while Sir Oliver
entered the next house to write, in his swift, exquisite penmanship, a
memorandum of the last occurrences to his master, Sir Daniel Brackley,
Bennet came up to his pupil to wish him God-speed upon his enterprise.

"Ye must go the long way about, Master Shelton," he said; "round by the
bridge, for your life! Keep a sure man fifty paces afore you, to draw
shots; and go softly till y'are past the wood. If the rogues fall upon
you, ride for't; ye will do naught by standing. And keep ever forward,
Master Shelton; turn me not back again, an ye love your life; there is
no help in Tunstall, mind ye that. And now, since ye go to the great
wars about the king, and I continue to dwell here in extreme jeopardy of
my life, and the saints alone can certify if we shall meet again below,
I give you my last counsels now at your riding. Keep an eye on Sir
Daniel; he is unsure. Put not your trust in the jack-priest; he
intendeth not amiss, but doth the will of others; it is a hand-gun for
Sir Daniel! Get your good lordship where ye go; make you strong friends;
look to it. And think ever a paternoster-while on Bennet Hatch. There
are worse rogues afoot than Bennet. So, God-speed!"

"And Heaven be with you, Bennet!" returned Dick. "Ye were a good friend
to meward, and so I shall say ever."

"And, look ye, master," added Hatch, with a certain embarrassment, "if
this Amend-All should