cried Matcham . `` Let us back into the open . We have the better chance ; he can not steal upon us unawares . '' `` Not I , '' said Dick . `` My time is come , and peradventure he may pass us by . '' `` Bend me , then , your bow ! '' cried the other . `` What ! will ye be a man ? '' Dick crossed himself . `` Would ye have me shoot upon a leper ? '' he cried . `` The hand would fail me . Nay , now , '' he added -- `` nay , now , let be ! With sound men I will fight , but not with ghosts and lepers . Which this is , I wot not . One or other , Heaven be our protection ! '' `` Now , '' said Matcham , `` if this be man 's courage , what a poor thing is man ! But sith ye will do naught , let us lie close . '' Then came a single , broken jangle on the bell .
`` He hath missed his hold upon the clapper , '' whispered XXXXX .
Dick Heaven Matcham hand jangle leper lepers men peradventure sith