is sword, but almost before it had left the
scabbard a long figure glided out of the snow, and said:

"More to the left, master, more to the left, unless you would make your
peace on Blythburgh bridge, where some would be glad to meet you."

"How went it?" asked Hugh shortly.

"Not well. I shot thrice and slew three men, two of the French knights,
and Thomas of Kessland, against whom I had a score that now is settled.
But the fourth time I missed."

"Who?" asked Eve between her teeth as she ran beside him.

"The Frenchman who means to marry you. When the others fell back he came
at me on his horse as I was setting a fresh arrow, thinking to get me. I
had to shoot quick, and aimed low for his heart, because in that light
I could not make certain of his face. He saw, and jerked up the horses
head, so that the shaft took it in the throat and killed the beast
without hurting its rider. He was off in an instant and at me, with
others, before I could draw again. So I thought it time to go, which I
did, backward, as he thrust. Perhaps he thinks he killed me, as I meant
he should, only when he looks at his sword he'll find it clean. That's
all."

And again Grey Dick chuckled.

CHAPTER III

FATHER ANDREW

None were abroad in the streets of Dunwich on that bitter winter night
when these three trudged wearily down Middlegate Street through the
driving snow to the door of the grey Preceptory of the Knights Templar.
In a window above the porch a light burned dimly, the only one to be
seen in any of the houses round about, for by now all men were abed.

"'Tis Father Arnold's room," said Eve. "He sits there at his books. I'll
knock and call him, but do you two go lay hold of the ring of the church
door," and she nodded toward a grey pile that stood near by. "Then none
can touch you, and how know we who may be in this house?"

"I'll go no step further," answered Hugh sullenly. "All this Temple
ground is sanctuary, or at least we will risk it." And, seizing the
knocker, he hammered at the door.

The light in the window vanished, and presently they heard a sound
of creaking bolts. Then the door opened, revealing a tall man,
white-bearded, ancient, and clad in a frayed, furred robe worn over a
priest's cassock, who held a lantern in his hand.

"Who knocks?" he asked. "Does some soul pass that you disturb me after
curfew?"

"Ay, Father Andrew," answered Hugh, "souls have passed, and souls are
near to passing. Let us i