Thus it was that , from lack of space , Dick and Lawless were clapped into the same apartment . `` Well spoken , Master Richard , '' said the outlaw ; `` it was excellently well spoken , and , for my part , I thank you cordially . Here we are in good hands ; we shall be justly tried , and , some time this evening , decently hanged on the same tree . '' `` Indeed , my poor friend , I do believe it , '' answered Dick . `` Yet have we a string to our bow , '' returned Lawless . `` Ellis Duckworth is a man out of ten thousand ; he holdeth you right near his heart , both for your own and for your father 's sake ; and knowing you guiltless of this fact , he will stir earth and heaven to bear you clear . '' `` It may not be , '' said Dick . `` What can he do ? He hath but a handful . Alack , if it were but to-morrow -- could I but keep a certain tryst an hour before noon to-morrow -- all were , I think , otherwise . But now there is no help . '' `` Well , '' concluded Lawless , `` an ye will stand to it for my innocence , I will stand to it for yours , and that stoutly . It shall naught avail us ; but an I be to hang , it shall not be for lack of swearing . '' And then , while Dick gave himself over to his reflections , the old rogue curled himself down into a corner , pulled his monkish hood about his face , and composed himself to sleep . Soon he was loudly snoring , so utterly had his long life of hardship and adventure blunted the sense of apprehension . It was long after noon , and the day was already failing , before the door was opened and Dick taken forth and led up-stairs to where , in a warm cabinet , Earl Risingham sat musing over the fire . On his captive 's entrance he looked up . `` Sir , '' he said , `` I knew your father , who was a man of honour , and this inclineth me to be the more lenient ; but I may not hide from you that heavy charges lie against your character . Ye do consort with murderers and robbers ; upon a clear probation ye have carried war against the king 's peace ; ye are suspected to have piratically seized upon a ship ; ye are found skulking with a counterfeit presentment in your enemy 's house ; a man is slain that very evening -- '' `` An it like you , my lord , '' Dick interposed , `` I will at once avow my guilt , such as it is . I slew this fellow Rutter ; and to the proof '' -- searching in his bosom -- `` here is a letter from his wallet . ''
Lord XXXXX took the letter , and opened and read it twice .
Duckworth Lawless Risingham Rutter evening fire noon slew up-stairs war