an impious knave. Then he asked him if he
had plenty of arrows, because if not he would find four dozen of the
best that could be made in Norwich done up in a cloak on the grey horse
he was to ride, and a spare bow also.

"I thank you for the arrows, Master, but as for the bow, I use none but
my own, the black bow which the sea brought to me and death alone shall
part from me. Perchance both will be wanted, since the Claverings will
scarcely let us out of the sanctuary if they can help it. Still, it is
true they may not know where we lie hid, and that is our best chance of
eating more good breakfasts this side the grave."

"A pest on your evil talk," said de Cressi with an uneasy laugh, for
he loved Hugh best of all his sons and was afraid of him. "Get through
safely, man, and though I like not your grim face and bloody ways you
shall lose little by it. I promise you," he added in a whisper, "that if
you bring my boy safe home again, you shall not want for all your life;
ay, and if there is need, I'll pay your blood-scot for you."

"Thank you, master, thank you. I'll remember, and for my part promise
you this, that if he does not return safe, Dick the Archer never will.
But I think I'll live to shoot more than your four dozen of arrows."

As he spoke there came a knock upon the outer door and every one sprang
up.

"Fear not," said Sir Andrew; "doubtless it will be the men with the
horses. I'll go look. Come you with me, Richard."

Presently he returned, saying that it was so, and that Master de
Cressi's servants were waiting with the beasts in the courtyard. Also
that they brought tidings that some of the Clavering party were now
at the Mayor's house, rousing him from his sleep, doubtless to lay
information of the slayings and ask for warrant to take those who
wrought them, should they be in the borough.

"Then we had best be going," said Hugh, "since soon they will be here
with or without their warrant."

"Ay," answered Sir Andrew. "Here are the papers. Take them, Hugh, and
hide them well; and if any accident should befall you, try to pass
them on to Richard that they may be delivered into the King's hands at
Westminster. Say that Sir Andrew Arnold sends you on business that has
to do with his Grace's safety, and neither of you will be refused a
hearing. Then act as he may command you, and maybe ere long we shall see
you back at Dunwich pardoned."

"I think it is the Claverings and their French lord who need