`` Will ye take my word of honour , Dick ? '' inquired the knight . `` That would I , '' answered the lad . `` I give it you , '' returned Sir Daniel . `` Upon my word of honour , upon the eternal welfare of my spirit , and as I shall answer for my deeds hereafter , I had no hand nor portion in your father 's death . '' He extended his hand , and Dick took it eagerly . Neither of them observed the priest , who , at the pronunciation of that solemn and false oath , had half arisen from his seat in an agony of horror and remorse . `` Ah , '' cried Dick , `` ye must find it in your great-heartedness to pardon me ! I was a churl , indeed , to doubt of you . But ye have my hand upon it ; I will doubt no more . '' `` Nay , Dick , '' replied Sir Daniel , `` y ' are forgiven . Ye know not the world and its calumnious nature . '' `` I was the more to blame , '' added Dick , `` in that the rogues pointed , not directly at yourself , but at Sir Oliver . '' As he spoke , he turned towards the priest , and paused in the middle of the last word . This tall , ruddy , corpulent , high-stepping man had fallen , you might say , to pieces ; his colour was gone , his limbs were relaxed , his lips stammered prayers ; and now , when Dick 's eyes were fixed upon him suddenly , he cried out aloud , like some wild animal , and buried his face in his hands . Sir Daniel was by him in two strides , and shook him fiercely by the shoulder . At the same moment Dick 's suspicions reawakened . `` Nay , '' he said , `` Sir Oliver may swear also . 'T was him they accused . '' `` He shall swear , '' said the knight .
Sir XXXXX speechlessly waved his arms .
Daniel Dick Oliver churl colour great-heartedness lad pieces pronunciation suspicions