t 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 you 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," 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 his lamp lest it should attract attention, led the way
upstairs and along the corridor. In the brown chamber the rope had been
made fast to the frame of an exceeding heavy and ancient bed. It had not
been detached, and Dick, taking the coil to the window, began to lower
it slowly and cautiously into the darkness of the night. Joan stood by;
but as the rope lengthened, and still Dick continued to pay it out,
extreme fear began to conquer her resolution.

"Dick," she said, "is it so dee