`` So is it best ! '' said Sir Daniel . `` Send for him , then , speedily . Ye shall see him alone . Yet I shall have an eye on you . I shall be here in the panel room . '' The knight raised the arras and let it fall again behind him . There was the sound of a spring opening ; then followed the creaking of trod stairs . Sir Oliver , left alone , cast a timorous glance upward at the arras-covered wall , and crossed himself with every appearance of terror and contrition . `` Nay , if he is in the chapel room , '' the priest murmured , `` were it at my soul 's cost , I must save him . '' Three minutes later , Dick , who had been summoned by another messenger , found Sir Oliver standing by the hall table , resolute and pale . `` Richard Shelton , '' he said , `` ye have required an oath from me . I might complain , I might deny you ; but my heart is moved toward you for the past , and I will even content you as ye choose . By the true cross of Holywood , I did not slay your father . '' `` Sir Oliver , '' returned Dick , `` when first we read John Amend-All 's paper , I was convinced of so much . But suffer me to put two questions . Ye did not slay him ; granted . But had ye no hand in it ? '' `` None , '' said Sir Oliver . And at the same time he began to contort his face , and signal with his mouth and eyebrows , like one who desired to convey a warning , yet dared not utter a sound .
XXXXX regarded him in wonder ; then he turned and looked all about him at the empty hall .
Amend-All Daniel Dick Holywood Oliver Shelton Ye arras first trod