Hatch began to look about him curiously . `` Nick had money , '' he said . `` He may have had three score pounds put by . I would I could light upo n't ! When ye lose an old friend , Master Richard , the best consolation is to heir him . See , now , this chest . I would go a mighty wager there is a bushel of gold therein . He had a strong hand to get , and a hard hand to keep withal , had Appleyard the archer . Now may God rest his spirit ! Near eighty year he was afoot and about , and ever getting ; but now he 's on the broad of his back , poor shrew , and no more lacketh ; and if his chattels came to a good friend , he would be merrier , methinks , in heaven . '' `` Come , Hatch , '' said Dick , `` respect his stone-blind eyes . Would ye rob the man before his body ? Nay , he would walk ! '' Hatch made several signs of the cross ; but by this time his natural complexion had returned , and he was not easily to be dashed from any purpose . It would have gone hard with the chest had not the gate sounded , and presently after the door of the house opened and admitted a tall , portly , ruddy , black-eyed man of near fifty , in a surplice and black robe . `` Appleyard '' -- the newcomer was saying , as he entered ; but he stopped dead . `` Ave Maria ! '' he cried . `` Saints be our shield ! What cheer is this ? ''
`` Cold cheer with XXXXX , sir parson , '' answered Hatch , with perfect cheerfulness .
Appleyard Ave Dick Nick Richard archer lacketh methinks shrew year