w with me.--Capper, lead forward. We will follow him this time, an
he go to York."

The next moment they were outside in the dark street, and Capper, the
man who had just come, pointed to where two torches flared in the wind
at a little distance.

The town was already sound asleep; no one moved upon the streets, and
there was nothing easier than to follow the party without observation.
The two link-bearers went first; next followed a single man, whose long
cloak blew about him in the wind; and the rear was brought up by the
four archers, each with his bow upon his arm. They moved at a brisk
walk, threading the intricate lanes and drawing nearer to the shore.

"He hath gone each night in this direction?" asked Dick, in a whisper.

"This is the third night running, Master Shelton," returned Capper, "and
still at the same hour and with the same small following, as though his
end were secret."

Sir Daniel and his six men were now come to the outskirts of the
country. Shoreby was an open town, and though the Lancastrian lords who
lay there kept a strong guard on the main roads, it was still possible
to enter or depart unseen by any of the lesser streets or across the
open country.

The lane which Sir Daniel had been following came to an abrupt end.
Before him there was a stretch of rough down, and the noise of the
sea-surf was audible upon one hand. There were no guards in the
neighbourhood, nor any light in that quarter of the town.

Dick and his two outlaws drew a little closer to the object of their
chase, and presently, as they came forth from between the houses, and
could see a little farther upon either hand, they were aware of another
torch drawing near from another direction.

"Hey," said Dick, "I smell treason."

Meanwhile Sir Daniel had come to a full halt. The torches were stuck
into the sand, and the men lay down, as if to await the arrival of the
other party.

This drew near at a good rate. It consisted of four men only--a pair of
archers, a varlet with a link, and a cloaked gentleman walking in their
midst.

"Is it you, my lord?" cried Sir Daniel.

"It is I, indeed; and if ever true knight gave proof I am that man,"
replied the leader of the second troop; "for who would rather not face
giants, sorcerers, or pagans, than this pinching cold?"

"My lord," returned Sir Daniel, "beauty will be the more beholden,
misdoubt it not. But shall we forth? for the sooner ye have seen my
merchandise, the soo