cried the priest , with sanguinary violence . `` Cover him , Master Dick , '' said Bennet . `` Bring me him down like a ripe apple . '' The fugitive was now within but a few leaps of safety ; but this last part of the meadow ran very steeply uphill ; and the man ran slower in proportion . What with the greyness of the falling night , and the uneven movements of the runner , it was no easy aim ; and as Dick levelled his bow , he felt a kind of pity , and a half desire that he might miss . The quarrel sped . The man stumbled and fell , and a great cheer arose from Hatch and the pursuers . But they were counting their corn before the harvest . The man fell lightly ; he was lightly afoot again , turned and waved his cap in a bravado , and was out of sight next moment in the margin of the wood . `` And the plague go with him ! '' cried Bennet . `` He has thieves ' heels ; he can run , by St Banbury ! But you touched him , Master Shelton ; he has stolen your quarrel , may he never have good I grudge him less ! '' `` Nay , but what made he by the church ? '' asked Sir Oliver . `` I am shrewdly afeared there has been mischief here . Clipsby , good fellow , get ye down from your horse , and search thoroughly among the yews . '' Clipsby was gone but a little while ere he returned carrying a paper . `` This writing was pinned to the church door , '' he said , handing it to the parson . `` I found naught else , sir parson . ''
`` Now , by the power of Mother Church , '' cried Sir XXXXX , `` but this runs hard on sacrilege !
Banbury Bennet Dick Hatch Oliver Shelton greyness night violence yews