his old wood-companion , Jack , whom he had thought to punish with a belt ? He dropped back again to the top round of the ladder in a kind of amazement . He had never thought of his sweetheart as of so superior a being , and he was instantly taken with a feeling of diffidence . But he had little opportunity for thought . A low `` Hist ! '' sounded from close by , and he hastened to descend the ladder . `` Who goes ? '' he whispered . `` Greensheve , '' came the reply , in tones similarly guarded . `` What want ye ? '' asked Dick . `` The house is watched , Master Shelton , '' returned the outlaw . `` We are not alone to watch it ; for even as I lay on my belly on the wall I saw men prowling in the dark , and heard them whistle softly one to the other . '' `` By my sooth , '' said Dick , `` but this is passing strange ! Were they not men of Sir Daniel 's ? '' `` Nay , sir , that they were not , '' returned Greensheve ; `` for if I have eyes in my head , every man-Jack of them weareth me a white badge in his bonnet , something chequered with dark . '' `` White , chequered with dark , '' repeated Dick . `` Faith , 't is a badge I know not . It is none of this country 's badges . Well , an that be so , let us slip as quietly forth from this garden as we may ; for here we are in an evil posture for defence .
Beyond all question there are men of Sir XXXXX 's in that house , and to be taken between two shots is a beggarman 's position .
't Daniel Dick Greensheve Hist Jack Shelton man-Jack sooth wood-companion