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 Daniel 's in that house , and to be taken between two shots is a beggarman 's position . Take me this ladder ; I must leave it where I found it . '' They returned the ladder to the stable , and groped their way to the place where they had entered . Capper had taken Greensheve 's position on the cope , and now he leaned down his hand , and , first one and then the other , pulled them up . Cautiously and silently , they dropped again upon the other side ; nor did they dare to speak until they had returned to their old ambush in the gorse .
`` Now , John Capper , '' said XXXXX , `` back with you to Shoreby , even as for your life .
't Capper Daniel Dick Greensheve Shelton beggarman first gorse sooth