I will swear upon the cross of Holywood I am as innocent of that good knight 's hurt , whether in act or purpose , as the babe unchristened . Neither was his throat cut ; for therein they are again in error , as there still live credible witnesses to show . '' `` It boots not , sir parson , '' said Bennet . `` Here is unseasonable talk . '' `` Nay , Master Bennet , not so . Keep ye in your due place , good Bennet , '' answered the priest . `` I shall make mine innocence appear . I will , upon no consideration , lose my poor life in error . I take all men to witness that I am clear of this matter . I was not even in the Moat House . I was sent of an errand before nine upon the clock '' -- `` Sir Oliver , '' said Hatch , interrupting , `` since it please you not to stop this sermon , I will take other means . Goffe , sound to horse . '' And while the tucket was sounding , Bennet moved close to the bewildered parson , and whispered violently in his ear . Dick Shelton saw the priest 's eye turned upon him for an instant in a startled glance . He had some cause for thought ; for this Sir Harry Shelton was his own natural father . But he said never a word , and kept his countenance unmoved . Hatch and Sir Oliver discussed together for a while their altered situation ; ten men , it was decided between them , should be reserved , not only to garrison the Moat House , but to escort the priest across the wood . In the meantime , as Bennet was to remain behind , the command of the reinforcement was given to Master Shelton . Indeed , there was no choice ; the men were loutish fellows , dull and unskilled in war , while Dick was not only popular , but resolute and grave beyond his age . Although his youth had been spent in these rough , country places , the lad had been well taught in letters by Sir Oliver , and Hatch himself had shown him the management of arms and the first principles of command .
Bennet had always been kind and helpful ; he was one of those who are cruel as the grave to those they call their enemies , but ruggedly faithful and well willing to their friends ; and now , while Sir Oliver entered the next house to write , in his swift , exquisite penmanship , a memorandum of the last occurrences to his master , Sir Daniel Brackley , XXXXX came up to his pupil to wish him God-speed upon his enterprise .
Bennet Dick Hatch Holywood House Moat Oliver Shelton first tucket