Dick 's face fell sorely . `` Prithee , Sir Daniel , '' he cried , `` send one of the villains ! I beseech you let me to the battle . I can strike a stroke , I promise you . '' `` I misdoubt it not , '' replied Sir Daniel , sitting down to write . `` But here , Dick , is no honour to be won . I lie in Kettley till I have sure tidings of the war , and then ride to join me with the conqueror . Cry not on cowardice ; it is but wisdom , Dick ; for this poor realm so tosseth with rebellion , and the king 's name and custody so changeth hands , that no man may be certain of the morrow . Toss-pot and Shuttle-wit run in , but my Lord Good-Counsel sits o ' one side , waiting . '' With that , Sir Daniel , turning his back to Dick , and quite at the farther end of the long table , began to write his letter , with his mouth on one side , for this business of the Black Arrow stuck sorely in his throat . Meanwhile , young Shelton was going on heartily enough with his breakfast , when he felt a touch upon his arm , and a very soft voice whispering in his ear . `` Make not a sign , I do beseech you , '' said the voice , `` but of your charity tell me the straight way to Holywood . Beseech you , now , good boy , comfort a poor soul in peril and extreme distress , and set me so far forth upon the way to my repose . '' `` Take the path by the windmill , '' answered Dick , in the same tone ; `` it will bring you to Till Ferry ; there inquire again . '' And without turning his head , he fell again to eating . But with the tail of his eye he caught a glimpse of the young lad called Master John stealthily creeping from the room . `` Why , '' thought Dick , `` he is a young as I. ` Good boy ' doth he call me ? An I had known , I should have seen the varlet hanged ere I had told him . Well , if he goes through the fen , I may come up with him and pull his ears . '' Half an hour later , Sir Daniel gave Dick the letter , and bade him speed to the Moat House .
And , again , some half an hour after XXXXX 's departure , a messenger came , in hot haste , from my Lord of Risingham .
Daniel Dick Good-Counsel Holywood John Kettley Prithee Shelton fen war