umpled it
between his hands, and overcoming the reluctance which had hitherto
withheld him from approaching, threw himself on his knees beside the
body and eagerly groped in the wallet.

He rose to his feet with a somewhat unsettled countenance.

"Gossip," he said, "I have indeed lost a letter here that much imported;
and could I lay my hand upon the knave that took it, he should
incontinently grace a halter. But let us, first of all, secure the
issues of the house. Here is enough harm already, by St. George!"

Sentinels were posted close around the house and garden; a sentinel on
every landing of the stair, a whole troop in the main entrance-hall; and
yet another about the bonfire in the shed. Sir Daniel's followers were
supplemented by Lord Shoreby's; there was thus no lack of men or weapons
to make the house secure, or to entrap a lurking enemy, should one be
there.

Meanwhile, the body of the spy was carried out through the falling snow
and deposited in the abbey church.

It was not until these dispositions had been taken, and all had returned
to a decorous silence, that the two girls drew Richard Shelton from his
place of concealment, and made a full report to him of what had passed.
He, upon his side, recounted the visit of the spy, his dangerous
discovery, and speedy end.

Joanna leaned back very faint against the curtained wall.

"It will avail but little," she said. "I shall be wed to-morrow, in the
morning, after all!"

"What!" cried her friend. "And here is our paladin that driveth lions
like mice! Ye have little faith, of a surety. But come, friend
lion-driver, give us some comfort; speak, and let us hear bold
counsels."

Dick was confounded to be thus outfaced with his own exaggerated words;
but though he coloured, he still spoke stoutly.

"Truly," said he, "we are in straits. Yet, could I but win out of this
house for half an hour, I do honestly tell myself that all might still
go well; and for the marriage, it should be prevented."

"And for the lions," mimicked the girl, "they shall be driven."

"I crave your excuse," said Dick. "I speak not now in any boasting
humour, but rather as one inquiring after help or counsel; for if I get
not forth of this house and through these sentinels, I can do less than
naught. Take me, I pray you, rightly."

"Why said ye he was rustic, Joan?" the girl inquired. "I warrant he hath
a tongue in his head; ready, soft, and bold is his speech at pleasure.
What