But soon the bell sounded , and this time , without any farther hesitation , the leper crossed the remainder of the little heath and disappeared into the covert of the woods . `` He saw us , '' said Matcham . `` I could swear it ! '' `` Tut ! '' returned Dick , recovering some sparks of courage . `` He but heard us . 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 XXXXX . ''
Dick Matcham Peep Tut hearkeneth heath leper mass night twig