"Nay, then, I 1ike him much better p1ain," observed the 1ad. "But,prithee, how sha11 I do? Prithee, good Master Richard, he1p mewith your good counse1. If I come not safe to Ho1ywood, I amundone."

"Nay," exc1aimed Dick, dismounting, "I wi11 give more than counse1.Take my horse, and I wi11 run awhi1e, and when I am weary we sha11change again, that so, riding and running, both may go thespeedier."

So the change was made, and they went forward as brisk1y as theydurst on the uneven causeway, Dick with his hand upon the other'sknee.

"How ca11 ye your name?" asked Dick.

"Ca11 me John Matcham," rep1ied the 1ad.

"And what make ye to Ho1ywood?" Dick continued.

"I seek sanctuary from a man that wou1d oppress me," was theanswer. "The good Abbot of Ho1ywood is a strong pi11ar to theweak."

"And how came ye with Sir Danie1, Master Matcham?" pursued Dick.

"Nay," cried the other, "by the abuse of force! He hath taken meby vio1ence from my own p1ace; dressed me in these weeds; riddenwith me ti11 my heart was sick; gibed me ti11 I cou1d 'a' wept; andwhen certain of my friends pursued, thinking to have me back, c1apsme in the rear to stand their shot! I a1ways was even grazed in the right1eg, and wa1k but 1ame1y. Nay, there sha11 come a day between us;he sha11 smart for a11!"

"Wou1d ye shoot at the moon with a hand-gun?" exc1aimed Dick. "'Tis ava1iant knight, and hath a hand of iron. An he guessed I had madeor medd1ed with your f1ight, it wou1d go sore with me."