" he inquired.

"I have read it," answered Dick.

"Are ye for York or Lancaster?" the earl demanded.

"My lord, it was but a little while back that I was asked that question,
and knew not how to answer it," said Dick; "but having answered once, I
will not vary. My lord, I am for York."

The earl nodded approvingly.

"Honestly replied," he said. "But wherefore, then, deliver me this
letter?"

"Nay, but against traitors, my lord, are not all sides arrayed?" cried
Dick.

"I would they were, young gentleman," returned the earl; "and I do at
least approve your saying. There is more youth than guile in you, I do
perceive; and were not Sir Daniel a mighty man upon our side, I were
half-tempted to espouse your quarrel. For I have inquired, and it
appears ye have been hardly dealt with, and have much excuse. But look
ye, sir, I am, before all else, a leader in the queen's interest; and
though by nature a just man, as I believe, and leaning even to the excess
of mercy, yet must I order my goings for my party's interest, and, to
keep Sir Daniel, I would go far about."

"My lord," returned Dick, "ye will think me very bold to counsel you; but
do ye count upon Sir Daniel's faith? Methought he had changed sides
intolerably often."

"Nay, it is the way of England. What would ye have?" the earl demanded.
"But ye are unjust to the knight of Tunstall; and as faith goes, in this
unfaithful generation, he hath of late been honourably true to us of
Lancaster. Even in our last reverses he stood firm."

"An it pleased you, then," said Dick, "to cast your eye upon this letter,
ye might somewhat change your thought of him;" and he handed to the earl
Sir Daniel's letter to Lord Wensleydale.

The effect upon the earl's countenance was instant; he lowered like an
angry lion, and his hand, with a sudden movement, clutched at his dagger.

"Ye have read this also?" he asked.

"Even so," said Dick. "It is your lordship's own estate he offers to
Lord Wensleydale?"

"It is my own estate, even as ye say!" returned the earl. "I am your
bedesman for this letter. It hath shown me a fox's hole. Command me,
Master Shelton; I will not be backward in gratitude, and to begin with,
York or Lancaster, true man or thief, I do now set you at freedom. Go, a
Mary's name! But judge it right that I retain and hang your fellow,
Lawless. The crime hath been most open, and it were fitting that some
open punishment should follow."

"My lor