I broke this Duckworth like a rush ; I beggared him to his door ; I burned the thatch above his head ; I drove him from this country ; and now , cometh he back to beard me ? Nay , but , Duckworth , this time it shall go bitter hard ! '' He was silent for some time , his face working . `` Eat ! '' he cried , suddenly . `` And you here , '' he added to Matcham , `` swear me an oath to follow straight to the Moat House . '' `` I will pledge mine honour , '' replied Matcham . `` What make I with your honour ? '' cried the knight . `` Swear me upon your mother 's welfare ! '' Matcham gave the required oath ; and Sir Daniel re-adjusted the hood over his face , and prepared his bell and staff . To see him once more in that appalling travesty somewhat revived the horror of his two companions . But the knight was soon upon his feet . `` Eat with despatch , '' he said , `` and follow me yarely to mine house . '' And with that he set forth again into the woods ; and presently after the bell began to sound , numbering his steps , and the two lads sat by their untasted meal , and heard it die slowly away up hill into the distance . `` And so ye go to Tunstall ? '' Dick inquired . `` Yea , verily , '' said Matcham , `` when needs must ! I am braver behind Sir Daniel 's back than to his face . '' They ate hastily , and set forth along the path through the airy upper levels of the forest , where great beeches stood apart among green lawns , and the birds and squirrels made merry on the boughs .
Two hours later , they began to descend upon the other side , and already , among the tree-tops , saw before them the red walls and roofs of Tunstall XXXXX .
Daniel Dick Duckworth House Matcham Tunstall beeches despatch squirrels thatch