cried the knight . `` Shalt be well shriven , by my faith ! Content you , then , and eat . '' But the lad was obstinate , drank a cup of water , and , once more wrapping himself closely in his mantle , sat in a far corner , brooding . In an hour or two , there rose a stir in the village of sentries challenging and the clatter of arms and horses ; and then a troop drew up by the inn door , and Richard Shelton , splashed with mud , presented himself upon the threshold . `` Save you , Sir Daniel , '' he said . `` How ! Dickie Shelton ! '' cried the knight ; and at the mention of Dick 's name the other lad looked curiously across . `` What maketh Bennet Hatch ? '' `` Please you , sir knight , to take cognisance of this packet from Sir Oliver , wherein are all things fully stated , '' answered Richard , presenting the priest 's letter . `` And please you farther , ye were best make all speed to Risingham ; for on the way hither we encountered one riding furiously with letters , and by his report , my Lord of Risingham was sore bested , and lacked exceedingly your presence . '' `` How say you ? Sore bested ? '' returned the knight . `` Nay , then , we will make speed sitting down , good Richard . As the world goes in this poor realm of England , he that rides softliest rides surest . Delay , they say , begetteth peril ; but it is rather this itch of doing that undoes men ; mark it , Dick . But let me see , first , what cattle ye have brought . Selden , a link here at the door ! ''
And Sir XXXXX strode forth into the village street , and , by the red glow of a torch , inspected his new troops .
Daniel Dick England Oliver Richard Risingham Selden first hour sentries