Come , Dick , forgive him what he did amiss , as he , for his part , cheerfully and lovingly forgiveth you . '' `` And wherefore so ? '' asked Dick . `` An we both go to Tunstall , I shall see you yet again , I trow , and that right often . '' `` Ye 'll never again see poor Jack Matcham , '' replied the other , `` that was so fearful and burthensome , and yet plucked you from the river ; ye 'll not see him more , Dick , by mine honour ! '' He held his arms open , and the lads embraced and kissed . `` And , Dick , '' continued Matcham , `` my spirit bodeth ill . Y ' are now to see a new Sir Daniel ; for heretofore hath all prospered in his hands exceedingly , and fortune followed him ; but now , methinks , when his fate hath come upon him , and he runs the adventure of his life , he will prove but a foul lord to both of us . He may be brave in battle , but he hath the liar 's eye ; there is fear in his eye , Dick , and fear is as cruel as the wolf ! We go down into that house , Saint Mary guide us forth again ! '' And so they continued their descent in silence , and came out at last before Sir Daniel 's forest stronghold , where it stood , low and shady , flanked with round towers and stained with moss and lichen , in the lilied waters of the moat . Even as they appeared , the doors were opened , the bridge lowered , and Sir Daniel himself , with Hatch and the parson at his side , stood ready to receive them . BOOK II -- THE MOAT HOUSE CHAPTER I -- DICK ASKS QUESTIONS The Moat House stood not far from the rough forest road . Externally , it was a compact rectangle of red stone , flanked at each corner by a round tower , pierced for archery and battlemented at the top . Within , it enclosed a narrow court . The moat was perhaps twelve feet wide , crossed by a single drawbridge . It was supplied with water by a trench , leading to a forest pool and commanded , through its whole length , from the battlements of the two southern towers . Except that one or two tall and thick trees had been suffered to remain within half a bowshot of the walls , the house was in a good posture for defence . In the court , Dick found a part of the garrison , busy with preparations for defence , and gloomily discussing the chances of a siege . Some were making arrows , some sharpening swords that had long been disused ; but even as they worked , they shook their heads .
Twelve of Sir Daniel 's party had escaped the battle , run the gauntlet through the wood , and come alive to the Moat XXXXX .
Daniel Dick Hatch House Mary Matcham Tunstall bodeth bowshot moat