that it should not sound . Now may the saints aid and guide us , for I have no strength to combat pestilence ! '' `` What maketh he ? '' cried Matcham . `` What doth he want ? Who ever heard the like , that a leper , out of mere malice , should pursue unfortunates ? Hath he not his bell to that very end , that people may avoid him ? Dick , there is below this something deeper . '' `` Nay , I care not , '' moaned Dick ; `` the strength is gone out of me ; my legs are like water . The saints be mine assistance ! '' `` Would ye lie there idle ? '' cried Matcham . `` Let us back into the open . We have the better chance ; he can not steal upon us unawares . '' `` Not I , '' said Dick . `` My time is come , and peradventure he may pass us by . '' `` Bend me , then , your bow ! '' cried the other . `` What ! will ye be a man ? ''
XXXXX crossed himself .
Dick Matcham assistance end leper malice peradventure pestilence saints strength