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 , Bennet came up to his pupil to wish him God-speed upon his enterprise . `` Ye must go the long way about , Master Shelton , '' he said ; `` round by the bridge , for your life ! Keep a sure man fifty paces afore you , to draw shots ; and go softly till y ' are past the wood . If the rogues fall upon you , ride for ` t ; ye will do naught by standing . And keep ever forward , Master Shelton ; turn me not back again , an ye love your life ; there is no help in Tunstall , mind ye that . And now , since ye go to the great wars about the king , and I continue to dwell here in extreme jeopardy of my life , and the saints alone can certify if we shall meet again below , I give you my last counsels now at your riding . Keep an eye on Sir Daniel ; he is unsure . Put not your trust in the jack-priest ; he intendeth not amiss , but doth the will of others ; it is a hand-gun for Sir Daniel ! Get your good lordship where ye go ; make you strong friends ; look to it .
And think ever a pater-noster-while on Bennet XXXXX .
Bennet Brackley Dick Hatch Moat Shelton fall jack-priest penmanship war