`` I must land you here among the willows , '' he said . `` Here is no path but willow swamps and quagmires , '' answered Dick . `` Master Shelton , '' replied Hugh , `` I dare not take ye nearer down , for your own sake now . He watcheth me the ferry , lying on his bow . All that go by and owe Sir Daniel goodwill , he shooteth down like rabbits . I heard him swear it by the rood . An I had not known you of old days -- ay , and from so high upward -- I would ` a ' let you go on ; but for old days ' remembrance , and because ye had this toy with you that 's not fit for wounds or warfare , I did risk my two poor ears to have you over whole . Content you ; I can no more , on my salvation ! '' Hugh was still speaking , lying on his oars , when there came a great shout from among the willows on the island , and sounds followed as of a strong man breasting roughly through the wood . `` A murrain ! '' cried Hugh . `` He was on the upper island all the while ! '' He pulled straight for shore . `` Threat me with your bow , good Dick ; threat me with it plain , '' he added . `` I have tried to save your skins , save you mine ! '' The boat ran into a tough thicket of willows with a crash . Matcham , pale , but steady and alert , at a sign from Dick , ran along the thwarts and leaped ashore ; Dick , taking the horse by the bridle , sought to follow , but what with the animal 's bulk , and what with the closeness of the thicket , both stuck fast . The horse neighed and trampled ; and the boat , which was swinging in an eddy , came on and off and pitched with violence . `` It may not be , Hugh ; here is no landing , '' cried Dick ; but he still struggled valiantly with the obstinate thicket and the startled animal . A tall man appeared upon the shore of the island , a long-bow in his hand .
XXXXX saw him for an instant , with the corner of his eye , bending the bow with a great effort , his face crimson with hurry .
Dick Hugh Matcham Shelton days long-bow oars quagmires rood violence