The earl nodded approvingly . `` Honestly replied , '' he said . `` But wherefore , then , deliver me this letter ? '' `` Nay , but against traitors , my lord , are not all sides arrayed ? '' cried Dick . `` I would they were , young gentleman , '' returned the earl ; `` and I do at least approve your saying . There is more youth than guile in you , I do perceive ; and were not Sir Daniel a mighty man upon our side , I were half-tempted to espouse your quarrel . For I have inquired , and it appears ye have been hardly dealt with , and have much excuse . But look ye , sir , I am , before all else , a leader in the queen 's interest ; and though by nature a just man , as I believe , and leaning even to the excess of mercy , yet must I order my goings for my party 's interest , and , to keep Sir Daniel , I would go far about . '' `` My lord , '' returned Dick , `` ye will think me very bold to counsel you ; but do ye count upon Sir Daniel 's faith ? Methought he had changed sides intolerably often . '' `` Nay , it is the way of England . What would ye have ? '' the earl demanded . `` But ye are unjust to the knight of Tunstall ; and as faith goes , in this unfaithful generation , he hath of late been honourably true to us of Lancaster . Even in our last reverses he stood firm . '' `` An it pleased you , then , '' said Dick , `` to cast your eye upon this letter , ye might somewhat change your thought of him ; '' and he handed to the earl Sir Daniel 's letter to Lord Wensleydale . The effect upon the earl 's countenance was instant ; he lowered like an angry lion , and his hand , with a sudden movement , clutched at his dagger . `` Ye have read this also ? '' he asked .
`` Even so , '' said XXXXX .
Daniel Dick England Lancaster Methought Sir Tunstall Wensleydale dagger wherefore