`` Nay , I care not , '' moaned Dick ; `` the strength is gone out of me ; my legs are like water . The saints be mine assistance ! '' `` Would ye lie there idle ? '' cried Matcham . `` Let us back into the open . We have the better chance ; he can not steal upon us unawares . '' `` Not I , '' said Dick . `` My time is come , and peradventure he may pass us by . '' `` Bend me , then , your bow ! '' cried the other . `` What ! will ye be a man ? '' Dick crossed himself . `` Would ye have me shoot upon a leper ? '' he cried . `` The hand would fail me . Nay , now , '' he added -- `` nay , now , let be ! With sound men I will fight , but not with ghosts and lepers . Which this is , I wot not . One or other , Heaven be our protection ! ''
`` Now , '' said XXXXX , `` if this be man 's courage , what a poor thing is man !
Dick Matcham Nay chance leper lepers men peradventure saints water