They were by that time at the mouth of the creek , and the view opened up and down the river . Everywhere it was enclosed with islands . Clay banks were falling in , willows nodding , reeds waving , martens dipping and piping . There was no sign of man in the labyrinth of waters . `` My master , '' said the ferryman , keeping the boat steady with one oar , `` I have a shrew guess that John-a-Fenne is on the island . He bears me a black grudge to all Sir Daniel 's . How if I turned me up stream and landed you an arrow-flight above the path ? Ye were best not meddle with John Fenne . '' `` How , then ? is he of this company ? '' asked Dick . `` Nay , mum is the word , '' said Hugh . `` But I would go up water , Dick . How if Master Matcham came by an arrow ? '' and he laughed again . `` Be it so , Hugh , '' answered Dick . `` Look ye , then , '' pursued Hugh . `` Sith it shall so be , unsling me your cross-bow -- so : now make it ready -- good ; place me a quarrel . Ay , keep it so , and look upon me grimly . '' `` What meaneth this ? ''
asked XXXXX .
Ay Daniel Dick Fenne Hugh John-a-Fenne Matcham arrow-flight martens oar