There was no sign of a besieger . `` Whence came that shot ? '' asked the knight . `` From yonder clump , Sir Daniel , '' returned a sentinel . The knight stood a little , musing . Then he turned to Dick . `` Dick , '' he said , `` keep me an eye upon these men ; I leave you in charge here . As for the priest , he shall clear himself , or I will know the reason why . I do almost begin to share in your suspicions . He shall swear , trust me , or we shall prove him guilty . '' Dick answered somewhat coldly , and the knight , giving him a piercing glance , hurriedly returned to the hall . His first glance was for the arrow . It was the first of these missiles he had seen , and as he turned it to and fro , the dark hue of it touched him with some fear . Again there was some writing : one word -- `` Earthed . '' `` Ay , '' he broke out , `` they know I am home , then . Earthed ! Ay , but there is not a dog among them fit to dig me out . '' Sir Oliver had come to himself , and now scrambled to his feet . `` Alack , Sir Daniel ! '' he moaned , `` y ' ` ave sworn a dread oath ; y ' are doomed to the end of time . ''
`` XXXXX , '' returned the knight , `` I have sworn an oath , indeed , thou chucklehead ; but thyself shalt swear a greater .
Ay Daniel Dick Earthed Oliver Sir besieger first fro sentinel