He smiled at the remembrance of his strange companion , and then wondered where he was . Ever since they had come together to the doors of the Moat House the younger lad had disappeared , and Dick began to weary for a word with him . About an hour after , mass being somewhat hastily run through by Sir Oliver , the company gathered in the hall for dinner . It was a long , low apartment , strewn with green rushes , and the walls hung with arras in a design of savage men and questing bloodhounds ; here and there hung spears and bows and bucklers ; a fire blazed in the big chimney ; there were arras-covered benches round the wall , and in the midst the table , fairly spread , awaited the arrival of the diners . Neither Sir Daniel nor his lady made their appearance . Sir Oliver himself was absent , and here again there was no word of Matcham . Dick began to grow alarmed , to recall his companion 's melancholy forebodings , and to wonder to himself if any foul play had befallen him in that house . After dinner he found Goody Hatch , who was hurrying to my Lady Brackley . `` Goody , '' he said , `` where is Master Matcham , I prithee ? I saw ye go in with him when we arrived . '' The old woman laughed aloud . `` Ah , Master Dick , '' she said , `` y ' have a famous bright eye in your head , to be sure ! '' and laughed again . `` Nay , but where is he , indeed ? '' persisted Dick . `` Ye will never see him more , '' she returned -- `` never . It is sure . '' `` An I do not , '' returned the lad , `` I will know the reason why . He came not hither of his full free will ; such as I am , I am his best protector , and I will see him justly used . There be too many mysteries ; I do begin to weary of the game ! ''
But as XXXXX was speaking , a heavy hand fell on his shoulder .
Brackley Dick Hatch Moat arras bucklers forebodings hour protector spears