or had he deserted to the side of York , and was he forfeit to honour ? It was an ugly choice . `` Come , '' he said , sternly ; and , turning on his heel , he began to walk forward through the grove , with Matcham limping in his rear . For some time they continued to thread the forest in silence . It was now growing late ; the sun was setting in the plain beyond Kettley ; the tree-tops overhead glowed golden ; but the shadows had begun to grow darker and the chill of the night to fall . `` If there were anything to eat ! '' cried Dick , suddenly , pausing as he spoke . Matcham sat down and began to weep . `` Ye can weep for your own supper , but when it was to save men 's lives , your heart was hard enough , '' said Dick , contemptuously . `` Y ' ` ave seven deaths upon your conscience , Master John ; I 'll ne'er forgive you that . '' `` Conscience ! '' cried Matcham , looking fiercely up . `` Mine ! And ye have the man 's red blood upon your dagger ! And wherefore did ye slay him , the poor soul ? He drew his arrow , but he let not fly ; he held you in his hand , and spared you ! 'T is as brave to kill a kitten , as a man that not defends himself . '' Dick was struck dumb . `` I slew him fair . I ran me in upon his bow , '' he cried .
`` It was a coward blow , '' returned XXXXX .
Dick Kettley Matcham York dagger fall heart slew sun wherefore