He was in fear , poor soul ! An ye were blind , and walked in a perpetual night , ye would start yourself , if ever a twig rustled or a bird cried ` Peep . ' '' `` Dick , good Dick , he saw us , '' repeated Matcham . `` When a man hearkeneth , he doth not as this man ; he doth otherwise , Dick . This was seeing ; it was not hearing . He means foully . Hark , else , if his bell be not stopped ! '' Such was the case . The bell rang no longer . `` Nay , '' said Dick , `` I like not that . Nay , '' he cried again , `` I like that little . What may this betoken ? Let us go , by the mass ! '' `` He hath gone east , '' added Matcham . `` Good Dick , let us go westward straight ; I shall not breathe till I have my back turned upon that leper . '' `` Jack , y ' are too cowardly , '' replied Dick . `` We shall go fair for Holywood , or as fair , at least , as I can guide you , and that will be due north . '' They were afoot at once , passed the stream upon some stepping-stones , and began to mount on the other side , which was steeper , towards the margin of the wood . The ground became very uneven , full of knolls and hollows ; trees grew scattered or in clumps ; it became difficult to choose a path , and the lads somewhat wandered . They were weary , besides , with yesterday 's exertions and the lack of food , and they moved but heavily and dragged their feet among the sand .
Presently , coming to the top of a knoll , they were aware of the XXXXX , some hundred feet in front of them , crossing the line of their march by a hollow .
Dick Holywood Jack Matcham hearkeneth knolls leper night stepping-stones twig