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, "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."

"Begone!" 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," replied
Bennet. "Throgmorton's rope is still in the brown chamber. Fare ye
well."

And Hatch, turning upon his heel, disappeared again into the windings of
the passage.

Dick instantly returned for his lamp, and proceeded to act upon the hint.
At one corner of the trap there was a deep cavity in the wall. Pushing
his arm into the aperture, Dick found an iron bar, which he thrust
vigorously upwards. There followed a snapping noise, and the slab of
stone instantly started in its bed.

They were free of the passage. A little exercise of strength easily
raised the trap; and they came forth into a vaulted chamber, opening on
one hand upon the court, where one or two fellows, with bare arms, were
rubbing down the horses of the last arrivals. A torch or two, each stuck
in an iron ring against the wall, changefully lit up the scene.

CHAPTER V--HOW DICK CHANGED SIDES

Dick, blowing out