cried the knight . `` Swear me upon your mother 's welfare ! '' Matcham gave the required oath ; and Sir Daniel re-adjusted the hood over his face , and prepared his bell and staff . To see him once more in that appalling travesty somewhat revived the horror of his two companions . But the knight was soon upon his feet . `` Eat with despatch , '' he said , `` and follow me yarely to mine house . '' And with that he set forth again into the woods ; and presently after the bell began to sound , numbering his steps , and the two lads sat by their untasted meal , and heard it die slowly away up hill into the distance . `` And so ye go to Tunstall ? '' Dick inquired . `` Yea , verily , '' said Matcham , `` when needs must ! I am braver behind Sir Daniel 's back than to his face . '' They ate hastily , and set forth along the path through the airy upper levels of the forest , where great beeches stood apart among green lawns , and the birds and squirrels made merry on the boughs . Two hours later , they began to descend upon the other side , and already , among the tree-tops , saw before them the red walls and roofs of Tunstall House . `` Here , '' said Matcham , pausing , `` ye shall take your leave of your friend Jack , whom y ' are to see no more . 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 XXXXX , `` my spirit bodeth ill .
Daniel Dick House Matcham beeches burthensome despatch right squirrels tree-tops