And as they thus lay , the clang of a bell fell suddenly upon their ears . `` A bell ! '' said Dick , sitting up . `` Can we be , then , so near to Holywood ? '' A little after , the bell clanged again , but this time somewhat nearer hand ; and from that time forth , and still drawing nearer and nearer , it continued to sound brokenly abroad in the silence of the morning . `` Nay , what should this betoken ? '' said Dick , who was now broad awake . `` It is some one walking , '' returned Matcham , and `` the bell tolleth ever as he moves . '' `` I see that well , '' said Dick . `` But wherefore ? What maketh he in Tunstall Woods ? Jack , '' he added , `` laugh at me an ye will , but I like not the hollow sound of it . '' `` Nay , '' said Matcham , with a shiver , `` it hath a doleful note . An the day were not come '' -- But just then the bell , quickening its pace , began to ring thick and hurried , and then it gave a single hammering jangle , and was silent for a space . `` It is as though the bearer had run for a pater-noster while , and then leaped the river , '' Dick observed . `` And now beginneth he again to pace soberly forward , '' added Matcham . `` Nay , '' returned Dick -- `` nay , not so soberly , Jack . 'T is a man that walketh you right speedily . 'T is a man in some fear of his life , or about some hurried business . See ye not how swift the beating draweth near ? ''
`` It is now close by , '' said XXXXX .
Dick Matcham Woods beginneth draweth jangle maketh morning pater-noster right