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 leper , some hundred feet in front of them , crossing the line of their march by a hollow . His bell was silent , his staff no longer tapped the ground , and he went before him with the swift and assured footsteps of a man who sees . Next moment he had disappeared into a little thicket . The lads , at the first glimpse , had crouched behind a tuft of gorse ; there they lay , horror-struck . `` Certain , he pursueth us , '' said Dick -- `` certain ! He held the clapper of his bell in one hand , saw ye ? that it should not sound . Now may the saints aid and guide us , for I have no strength to combat pestilence ! '' `` What maketh he ? '' cried Matcham . `` What doth he want ? Who ever heard the like , that a leper , out of mere malice , should pursue unfortunates ? Hath he not his bell to that very end , that people may avoid him ? Dick , there is below this something deeper . '' `` Nay , I care not , '' moaned Dick ; `` the strength is gone out of me ; my legs are like water . The saints be mine assistance ! '' `` Would ye lie there idle ? ''
cried XXXXX .
Dick Matcham clapper first gorse horror-struck knolls leper pestilence stepping-stones