`` He hath gone east , '' added Matcham . `` Good Dick , let us go westward straight ; I shall not breathe till I have my back turned upon that leper . '' `` Jack , y ' are too cowardly , '' replied Dick . `` We shall go fair for Holywood , or as fair , at least , as I can guide you , and that will be due north . '' They were afoot at once , passed the stream upon some stepping-stones , and began to mount on the other side , which was steeper , towards the margin of the wood . The ground became very uneven , full of knolls and hollows ; trees grew scattered or in clumps ; it became difficult to choose a path , and the lads somewhat wandered . They were weary , besides , with yesterday 's exertions and the lack of food , and they moved but heavily and dragged their feet among the sand . Presently , coming to the top of a knoll , they were aware of the leper , some hundred feet in front of them , crossing the line of their march by a hollow . His bell was silent , his staff no longer tapped the ground , and he went before him with the swift and assured footsteps of a man who sees . Next moment he had disappeared into a little thicket . The lads , at the first glimpse , had crouched behind a tuft of gorse ; there they lay , horror-struck . `` Certain , he pursueth us , '' said Dick -- `` certain ! He held the clapper of his bell in one hand , saw ye ? that it should not sound . Now may the saints aid and guide us , for I have no strength to combat pestilence ! '' `` What maketh he ? '' cried Matcham . `` What doth he want ? Who ever heard the like , that a leper , out of mere malice , should pursue unfortunates ? Hath he not his bell to that very end , that people may avoid him ?
XXXXX , there is below this something deeper . ''
Dick Jack Matcham clapper gorse horror-struck knolls leper pestilence stepping-stones