Meanwhile , Sir Daniel had come to a full halt . The torches were stuck into the sand , and the men lay down , as if to await the arrival of the other party . This drew near at a good rate . It consisted of four men only -- a pair of archers , a varlet with a link , and a cloaked gentleman walking in their midst . `` Is it you , my lord ? '' cried Sir Daniel . `` It is I , indeed ; and if ever true knight gave proof I am that man , '' replied the leader of the second troop ; `` for who would not rather face giants , sorcerers , or pagans , than this pinching cold ? '' `` My lord , '' returned Sir Daniel , `` beauty will be the more beholden , misdoubt it not . But shall we forth ? for the sooner ye have seen my merchandise , the sooner shall we both get home . '' `` But why keep ye her here , good knight ? '' inquired the other . `` An she be so young , and so fair , and so wealthy , why do ye not bring her forth among her mates ? Ye would soon make her a good marriage , and no need to freeze your fingers and risk arrow-shots by going abroad at such untimely seasons in the dark . '' `` I have told you , my lord , '' replied Sir Daniel , `` the reason thereof concerneth me only . Neither do I purpose to explain it farther . Suffice it , that if ye be weary of your old gossip , Daniel Brackley , publish it abroad that y ' are to wed Joanna Sedley , and I give you my word ye will be quit of him right soon . Ye will find him with an arrow in his back . '' Meantime the two gentlemen were walking briskly forward over the down ; the three torches going before them , stooping against the wind and scattering clouds of smoke and tufts of flame , and the rear brought up by the six archers . Close upon the heels of these , Dick followed .
He had , of course , heard no word of this conversation ; but he had recognised in the second of the speakers old Lord Shoreby himself , a man of an infamous reputation , whom even Sir XXXXX affected , in public , to condemn .
Brackley Daniel Dick Ye archers arrow-shots right second sorcerers varlet