`` Do these churls ride so roughly ? '' Dick inquired . `` Do they command Sir Daniel 's own ferry ? '' `` Nay , '' whispered the ferryman , winking . `` Mark me ! Sir Daniel shall down . His time is out . He shall down . Mum ! '' And he bent over his oars . They pulled a long way up the river , turned the tail of an island , and came softly down a narrow channel next the opposite bank . Then Hugh held water in midstream . `` I must land you here among the willows , '' he said . `` Here is no path but willow swamps and quagmires , '' answered Dick . `` Master Shelton , '' replied Hugh , `` I dare not take ye nearer down , for your own sake now . He watcheth me the ferry , lying on his bow . All that go by and owe Sir Daniel goodwill , he shooteth down like rabbits . I heard him swear it by the rood . An I had not known you of old days -- ay , and from so high upward -- I would ` a ' let you go on ; but for old days ' remembrance , and because ye had this toy with you that 's not fit for wounds or warfare , I did risk my two poor ears to have you over whole . Content you ; I can no more , on my salvation ! ''
Hugh was still speaking , lying on his XXXXX , when there came a great shout from among the willows on the island , and sounds followed as of a strong man breasting roughly through the wood .
Daniel Dick Hugh Shelton churls days ferryman oars quagmires rood