`` I rely upon Heaven only , '' answered Dick , casting his sword some way behind him on the snow . `` Now , if your ill-fate bids you , come ; and , under the pleasure of the Almighty , I make myself bold to feed your bones to foxes . '' `` I did but try you , Dickon , '' returned the knight , with an uneasy semblance of a laugh . `` I would not spill your blood . '' `` Go , then , ere it be too late , '' replied Shelton . `` In five minutes I will call the post . I do perceive that I am too long-suffering . Had but our places been reversed , I should have been bound hand and foot some minutes past . '' `` Well , Dickon , I will go , '' replied Sir Daniel . `` When we next meet , it shall repent you that ye were so harsh . '' And with these words , the knight turned and began to move off under the trees . Dick watched him with strangely-mingled feelings , as he went , swiftly and warily , and ever and again turning a wicked eye upon the lad who had spared him , and whom he still suspected . There was upon one side of where he went a thicket , strongly matted with green ivy , and , even in its winter state , impervious to the eye . Herein , all of a sudden , a bow sounded like a note of music . An arrow flew , and with a great , choked cry of agony and anger , the Knight of Tunstall threw up his hands and fell forward in the snow . Dick bounded to his side and raised him . His face desperately worked ; his whole body was shaken by contorting spasms . `` Is the arrow black ? '' he gasped . `` It is black , '' replied Dick , gravely .
And then , before he could add one word , a desperate seizure of pain shook the wounded man from head to foot , so that his body leaped in XXXXX 's supporting arms , and with the extremity of that pang his spirit fled in silence .
Daniel Dick Dickon Shelton Tunstall bones choked feelings foxes minutes