As he came about level with the pit , he paused , and turned his face full upon the lads . `` Mary be my shield ! He sees us ! '' said Matcham , faintly . `` Hush ! '' whispered Dick . `` He doth but hearken . He is blind , fool ! '' The leper looked or listened , whichever he was really doing , for some seconds . Then he began to move on again , but presently paused once more , and again turned and seemed to gaze upon the lads . Even Dick became dead-white and closed his eyes , as if by the mere sight he might become infected . But soon the bell sounded , and this time , without any farther hesitation , the leper crossed the remainder of the little heath and disappeared into the covert of the woods . `` He saw us , '' said Matcham . `` I could swear it ! '' `` Tut ! '' returned Dick , recovering some sparks of courage . `` He but heard us . He was in fear , poor soul ! An ye were blind , and walked in a perpetual night , ye would start yourself , if ever a twig rustled or a bird cried ` Peep . ' '' `` Dick , good Dick , he saw us , '' repeated Matcham .
`` When a man hearkeneth , he doth not as this man ; he doth otherwise , XXXXX .
Dick Matcham Tut bell heath leper night seconds soul twig