`` Sir , '' replied Dick , `` I am here in sanctuary , is it not so ? Well , sir , I see by your bearing that ye are high in station , and I read in your countenance the marks of piety and justice . To you , then , I will yield me prisoner , and that blithely , foregoing the advantage of this holy place . But rather than to be yielded into the discretion of that man -- whom I do here accuse with a loud voice to be the murderer of my natural father and the unjust retainer of my lands and revenues -- rather than that , I would beseech you , under favour , with your own gentle hand , to despatch me on the spot . Your own ears have heard him , how before that I was proven guilty he did threaten me with torments . It standeth not with your own honour to deliver me to my sworn enemy and old oppressor , but to try me fairly by the way of law , and , if that I be guilty indeed , to slay me mercifully . '' `` My lord , '' cried Sir Daniel , `` ye will not hearken to this wolf ? His bloody dagger reeks him the lie into his face . '' `` Nay , but suffer me , good knight , '' returned the tall stranger ; `` your own vehemence doth somewhat tell against yourself . '' And here the bride , who had come to herself some minutes past and looked wildly on upon this scene , broke loose from those that held her , and fell upon her knees before the last speaker . `` My Lord of Risingham , '' she cried , `` hear me , in justice . I am here in this man 's custody by mere force , reft from mine own people . Since that day I had never pity , countenance , nor comfort from the face of man -- but from him only -- Richard Shelton -- whom they now accuse and labour to undo . My lord , if he was yesternight in Sir Daniel 's mansion , it was I that brought him there ; he came but at my prayer , and thought to do no hurt . While yet Sir Daniel was a good lord to him , he fought with them of the Black Arrow loyally ; but when his foul guardian sought his life by practices , and he fled by night , for his soul 's sake , out of that bloody house , whither was he to turn -- he , helpless and penniless ? Or if he be fallen among ill company , whom should ye blame -- the lad that was unjustly handled , or the guardian that did abuse his trust ? '' And then the short young lady fell on her knees by Joanna 's side . `` And I , my good lord and natural uncle , '' she added , `` I can bear testimony , on my conscience and before the face of all , that what this maiden saith is true . It was I , unworthy , that did lead the young man in . '' Earl Risingham had heard in silence , and when the voices ceased , he still stood silent for a space .
Then he gave XXXXX his hand to arise , though it was to be observed that he did not offer the like courtesy to her who had called herself his niece .
Daniel Dick Joanna Risingham Shelton dagger labour reft retainer whither