`` In sooth , it looketh evilly , '' said Dick . `` But what cheer ! 'T is but a squall , and presently it will blow over . '' But , in spite of his words , he was depressingly affected by the bleak disorder of the sky and the wailing and fluting of the wind ; and as he got over the side of the Good Hope and made once more for the landing-creek with the best speed of oars , he crossed himself devoutly , and recommended to Heaven the lives of all who should adventure on the sea . At the landing-creek there had already gathered about a dozen of the outlaws . To these the skiff was left , and they were bidden embark without delay . A little further up the beach Dick found Lord Foxham hurrying in quest of him , his face concealed with a dark hood , and his bright armour covered by a long russet mantle of a poor appearance . `` Young Shelton , '' he said , `` are ye for sea , then , truly ? '' `` My lord , '' replied Richard , `` they lie about the house with horsemen ; it may not be reached from the land side without alarum ; and Sir Daniel once advertised of our adventure , we can no more carry it to a good end than , saving your presence , we could ride upon the wind . Now , in going round by sea , we do run some peril by the elements ; but , what much outweighteth all , we have a chance to make good our purpose and bear off the maid . '' `` Well , '' returned Lord Foxham , `` lead on . I will , in some sort , follow you for shame 's sake ; but I own I would I were in bed . '' `` Here , then , '' said Dick . `` Hither we go to fetch our pilot . '' And he led the way to the rude alehouse where he had given rendezvous to a portion of his men . Some of these he found lingering round the door outside ; others had pushed more boldly in , and , choosing places as near as possible to where they saw their comrade , gathered close about Lawless and the two shipmen . These , to judge by the distempered countenance and cloudy eye , had long since gone beyond the boundaries of moderation ; and as Richard entered , closely followed by Lord Foxham , they were all three tuning up an old , pitiful sea-ditty , to the chorus of the wailing of the gale . The young leader cast a rapid glance about the shed . The fire had just been replenished , and gave forth volumes of black smoke , so that it was difficult to see clearly in the further corners . It was plain , however , that the outlaws very largely outnumbered the remainder of the guests .
Satisfied upon this point , in case of any failure in the operation of his plan , XXXXX strode up to the table and resumed his place upon the bench .
Daniel Dick Lawless Shelton alehouse fire oars sea-ditty shipmen sooth