`` I have yielded me , upon promise of life . '' The tone of the stranger was one of absolute command , and almost instantly the din and confusion of the mellay ceased . `` Lawless , '' cried Dick , `` are ye safe ? '' `` Ay , '' cried Lawless , `` safe and hearty . '' `` Light me the lantern , '' said Dick . `` Is not Sir Daniel here ? '' inquired the knight . `` Sir Daniel ? '' echoed Dick . `` Now , by the rood , I pray not . It would go ill with me if he were . '' `` Ill with you , fair sir ? '' inquired the other . `` Nay , then , if ye be not of Sir Daniel 's party , I profess I comprehend no longer . Wherefore , then , fell ye upon mine ambush ? in what quarrel , my young and very fiery friend ? to what earthly purpose ? and , to make a clear end of questioning , to what good gentleman have I surrendered ? '' But before Dick could answer , a voice spoke in the darkness from close by . Dick could see the speaker 's black and white badge , and the respectful salute which he addressed to his superior .
`` My lord , '' said he , `` if these gentlemen be unfriends to Sir XXXXX , it is pity , indeed , we should have been at blows with them ; but it were tenfold greater that either they or we should linger here .
Ay Daniel Dick Lawless Sir darkness mellay party rood speaker