`` Who goes ? '' he shouted . `` Hugh , who goes ? '' '' 'T is Master Shelton , John , '' replied the ferryman . `` Stand , Dick Shelton ! '' bawled the man upon the island . `` Ye shall have no hurt , upon the rood ! Stand ! Back out , Hugh Ferryman . '' Dick cried a taunting answer . `` Nay , then , ye shall go afoot , '' returned the man ; and he let drive an arrow . The horse , struck by the shaft , lashed out in agony and terror ; the boat capsized , and the next moment all were struggling in the eddies of the river . When Dick came up , he was within a yard of the bank ; and before his eyes were clear , his hand had closed on something firm and strong that instantly began to drag him forward . It was the riding-rod , that Matcham , crawling forth upon an overhanging willow , had opportunely thrust into his grasp . `` By the mass ! '' cried Dick , as he was helped ashore , `` that makes a life I owe you . I swim like a cannon-ball . '' And he turned instantly towards the island . Midway over , Hugh Ferryman was swimming with his upturned boat , while John-a-Fenne , furious at the ill-fortune of his shot , bawled to him to hurry . `` Come , Jack , '' said Shelton , `` run for it !
Ere XXXXX can hale his barge across , or the pair of 'em can get it righted , we may be out of cry . ''
Dick Hugh John John-a-Fenne Matcham Shelton cannon-ball ferryman riding-rod rood