`` 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 Matcham . They were now on the edge of the pit ; and as the pit itself was on a certain eminence , they commanded a view over the greater proportion of the clearing , up to the thick woods that closed it in . The daylight , which was very clear and grey , showed them a riband of white footpath wandering among the gorse . It passed some hundred yards from the pit , and ran the whole length of the clearing , east and west . By the line of its course , Dick judged it should lead more or less directly to the Moat House . Upon this path , stepping forth from the margin of the wood , a white figure now appeared . It paused a little , and seemed to look about ; and then , at a slow pace , and bent almost double , it began to draw near across the heath . At every step the bell clanked . Face , it had none ; a white hood , not even pierced with eye-holes , veiled the head ; and as the creature moved , it seemed to feel its way with the tapping of a stick . Fear fell upon the lads , as cold as death . `` A leper ! '' said Dick , hoarsely .
`` His touch is death , '' said XXXXX .
Dick Jack Matcham daylight draweth gorse leper pater-noster riband right