`` Threat me with your bow , good Dick ; threat me with it plain , '' he added . `` I have tried to save your skins , save you mine ! '' The boat ran into a tough thicket of willows with a crash . Matcham , pale , but steady and alert , at a sign from Dick , ran along the thwarts and leaped ashore ; Dick , taking the horse by the bridle , sought to follow , but what with the animal 's bulk , and what with the closeness of the thicket , both stuck fast . The horse neighed and trampled ; and the boat , which was swinging in an eddy , came on and off and pitched with violence . `` It may not be , Hugh ; here is no landing , '' cried Dick ; but he still struggled valiantly with the obstinate thicket and the startled animal . A tall man appeared upon the shore of the island , a long-bow in his hand . Dick saw him for an instant , with the corner of his eye , bending the bow with a great effort , his face crimson with hurry . `` Who goes ? '' he shouted . `` Hugh , who goes ? '' '' 'T is Master Shelton , John , '' replied the ferryman . `` Stand , Dick Shelton ! '' bawled the man upon the island . `` Ye shall have no hurt , upon the rood ! Stand ! Back out , Hugh Ferryman . '' Dick cried a taunting answer . `` Nay , then , ye shall go afoot , '' returned the man ; and he let drive an arrow . The horse , struck by the shaft , lashed out in agony and terror ; the boat capsized , and the next moment all were struggling in the eddies of the river .
When XXXXX came up , he was within a yard of the bank ; and before his eyes were clear , his hand had closed on something firm and strong that instantly began to drag him forward .
Dick Hugh John Matcham crash ferryman long-bow rood thwarts violence