`` It befell at the Moat House ? '' Dick ventured , with a beating at his heart . `` It befell between the Moat House and Holywood , '' replied Sir Daniel , calmly ; but he shot a covert glance , black with suspicion , at Dick 's face . `` And now , '' added the knight , `` speed you with your meal ; ye shall return to Tunstall with a line from me . '' Dick 's face fell sorely . `` Prithee , Sir Daniel , '' he cried , `` send one of the villains ! I beseech you let me to the battle . I can strike a stroke , I promise you . '' `` I misdoubt it not , '' replied Sir Daniel , sitting down to write . `` But here , Dick , is no honour to be won . I lie in Kettley till I have sure tidings of the war , and then ride to join me with the conqueror . Cry not on cowardice ; it is but wisdom , Dick ; for this poor realm so tosseth with rebellion , and the king 's name and custody so changeth hands , that no man may be certain of the morrow . Toss-pot and Shuttle-wit run in , but my Lord Good-Counsel sits o ' one side , waiting . '' With that , Sir Daniel , turning his back to Dick , and quite at the farther end of the long table , began to write his letter , with his mouth on one side , for this business of the Black Arrow stuck sorely in his throat . Meanwhile , young Shelton was going on heartily enough with his breakfast , when he felt a touch upon his arm , and a very soft voice whispering in his ear . `` Make not a sign , I do beseech you , '' said the voice , `` but of your charity tell me the straight way to Holywood . Beseech you , now , good boy , comfort a poor soul in peril and extreme distress , and set me so far forth upon the way to my repose . '' `` Take the path by the windmill , '' answered Dick , in the same tone ; `` it will bring you to Till Ferry ; there inquire again . '' And without turning his head , he fell again to eating . But with the tail of his eye he caught a glimpse of the young lad called Master John stealthily creeping from the room .
`` Why , '' thought XXXXX , `` he is a young as I. ` Good boy ' doth he call me ?
Daniel Dick Good-Counsel House John Kettley Moat Prithee Tunstall war