A little apart before the huge fire sat a younger man , almost a boy , dressed in much the same fashion , though it was easy to see by his looks that he was better born , and might have worn a sword , had the time suited . `` Nay , '' said one of the men at the table , `` I like it not . Ill will come of it . This is no place for jolly fellows . A jolly fellow loveth open country , good cover , and scarce foes ; but here we are shut in a town , girt about with enemies ; and , for the bull 's - eye of misfortune , see if it snow not ere the morning . '' '' 'T is for Master Shelton there , '' said another , nodding his head towards the lad before the fire . `` I will do much for Master Shelton , '' returned the first ; `` but to come to the gallows for any man -- nay , brothers , not that ! '' The door of the inn opened , and another man entered hastily and approached the youth before the fire . `` Master Shelton , '' he said , `` Sir Daniel goeth forth with a pair of links and four archers . '' Dick -LRB- for this was our young friend -RRB- rose instantly to his feet . `` Lawless , '' he said , `` ye will take John Capper 's watch . Greensheve , follow with me . Capper , lead forward . We will follow him this time , an he go to York . '' The next moment they were outside in the dark street , and Capper , the man who had just come , pointed to where two torches flared in the wind at a little distance . The town was already sound asleep ; no one moved upon the streets , and there was nothing easier than to follow the party without observation . The two link-bearers went first ; next followed a single man , whose long cloak blew about him in the wind ; and the rear was brought up by the four archers , each with his bow upon his arm . They moved at a brisk walk , threading the intricate lanes and drawing nearer to the shore . `` He hath gone each night in this direction ? '' asked Dick , in a whisper .
`` This is the third XXXXX running , Master Shelton , '' returned Capper , `` and still at the same hour and with the same small following , as though his end were secret . ''
Dick Greensheve Shelton York archers fire girt loveth morning night