`` And his promise , for all it is but young , is still the likelier to be made good . '' '' 'T is the plain truth , '' returned his lordship . `` And considering , moreover , that I am your prisoner , upon no better composition than my bare life , and over and above that , that the maiden is unhappily in other hands , I will so far consent . Aid me with your good fellows '' -- `` My lord , '' cried Dick , `` they are these same outlaws that ye blame me for consorting with . '' `` Let them be what they will , they can fight , '' returned Lord Foxham . `` Help me , then ; and if between us we regain the maid , upon my knightly honour , she shall marry you ! '' Dick bent his knee before his prisoner ; but he , leaping up lightly from the cross , caught the lad up and embraced him like a son . `` Come , '' he said , `` an y ' are to marry Joan , we must be early friends . '' CHAPTER IV -- THE GOOD HOPE An hour thereafter , Dick was back at the Goat and Bagpipes , breaking his fast , and receiving the report of his messengers and sentries . Duckworth was still absent from Shoreby ; and this was frequently the case , for he played many parts in the world , shared many different interests , and conducted many various affairs . He had founded that fellowship of the Black Arrow , as a ruined man longing for vengeance and money ; and yet among those who knew him best , he was thought to be the agent and emissary of the great King-maker of England , Richard , Earl of Warwick . In his absence , at any rate , it fell upon Richard Shelton to command affairs in Shoreby ; and , as he sat at meat , his mind was full of care , and his face heavy with consideration . It had been determined , between him and the Lord Foxham , to make one bold stroke that evening , and , by brute force , to set Joanna free . The obstacles , however , were many ; and as one after another of his scouts arrived , each brought him more discomfortable news . Sir Daniel was alarmed by the skirmish of the night before . He had increased the garrison of the house in the garden ; but not content with that , he had stationed horsemen in all the neighbouring lanes , so that he might have instant word of any movement . Meanwhile , in the court of his mansion , steeds stood saddled , and the riders , armed at every point , awaited but the signal to ride . The adventure of the night appeared more and more difficult of execution , till suddenly Dick 's countenance lightened . `` Lawless ! '' he cried , `` you that were a shipman , can ye steal me a ship ? ''
`` Master XXXXX , '' replied Lawless , `` if ye would back me , I would agree to steal York Minster . ''
Daniel Dick England Richard Warwick execution hour night sentries steeds