Mend it , Bennet , mend it . '' `` Nay , I say no more . Have it as ye list , '' said the retainer . The priest now rose from the stool , and from the writing-case that hung about his neck took forth wax and a taper , and a flint and steel . With these he sealed up the chest and the cupboard with Sir Daniel 's arms , Hatch looking on disconsolate ; and then the whole party proceeded , somewhat timorously , to sally from the house and get to horse . '' 'T is time we were on the road , Sir Oliver , '' said Hatch , as he held the priest 's stirrup while he mounted . `` Ay ; but , Bennet , things are changed , '' returned the parson . `` There is now no Appleyard -- rest his soul ! -- to keep the garrison . I shall keep you , Bennet . I must have a good man to rest me on in this day of black arrows . ` The arrow that flieth by day , ' saith the evangel ; I have no mind of the context ; nay , I am a sluggard priest , I am too deep in men 's affairs . Well , let us ride forth , Master Hatch . The jackmen should be at the church by now . '' So they rode forward down the road , with the wind after them , blowing the tails of the parson 's cloak ; and behind them , as they went , clouds began to arise and blot out the sinking sun . They had passed three of the scattered houses that make up Tunstall hamlet , when , coming to a turn , they saw the church before them . Ten or a dozen houses clustered immediately round it ; but to the back the churchyard was next the meadows . At the lych-gate , near a score of men were gathered , some in the saddle , some standing by their horses ' heads . They were variously armed and mounted ; some with spears , some with bills , some with bows , and some bestriding plough-horses , still splashed with the mire of the furrow ; for these were the very dregs of the country , and all the better men and the fair equipments were already with Sir Daniel in the field . `` We have not done amiss , praised be the cross of Holywood !
Sir XXXXX will be right well content , '' observed the priest , inwardly numbering the troop .
Appleyard Daniel Tunstall day evangel lych-gate mire plough-horses retainer writing-case