Presently, at the far end of the passage, Bennet hove
in sight. He seemed to be alone, and he carried
in his hand a burning torch, which made him the better
mark.
“Stand, Bennet!” cried Dick. “Another
step, and y’ are dead.”
“So here ye are,” returned Hatch, peering
forward into the darkness. “I see you
not. Aha! y’ ‘ave done wisely, Dick;
y’ ’ave put your lamp before you.
By my sooth, but, though it was done to shoot my
own knave body, I do rejoice to see ye profit of my
lessons! And now, what make ye? what seek ye
here? Why would ye shoot upon an old, kind friend?
And have ye the young gentlewoman there?”
“Nay, Bennet, it is I should question and you
answer,” replied Dick. “Why am I
in this jeopardy of my life? Why do men come
privily to slay me in my bed? Why am I now fleeing
in mine own guardian’s strong house, and from
the friends that I have lived among and never injured?”
“Master Dick, Master Dick,” said Bennet,
“what told I you? Y’ are brave,
but the most uncrafty lad that I can think upon!”
“Well,” returned Dick, “I see ye
know all, and that I am doomed indeed. It is
well. Here, where I am, I stay. Let Sir
Daniel get me out if he be able!”
Hatch was silent for a space.
“Hark ye,” he began, “return to
Sir Daniel, to tell him where ye are, and how posted;
for, in truth, it was to that end he sent me.
But you, if ye are no fool, had best be gone ere I
return.”
“Begone!” repeated Dick. “I
would be gone already, an’ I wist how.
I cannot move the trap.”
“Put me your hand into the corner, and see what
ye find there,” replied Bennet. “Throgmorton’s
rope is still in the brown chamber. Fare ye well.”
And Hatch, turning upon his heel, disappeared again
into the windings of the passage.
Dick instantly returned for his lamp, and proceeded
to act upon the hint. At one corner of the trap
there was a deep cavity in the wall. Pushing
his arm into the aperture, Dick found an iron bar,
which he thrust vigorously upwards. There followed
a snapping noise, and the slab of stone instantly
started in its bed.
They were free of the passage. A little exercise
of strength easily raised the trap; and they came
forth into a vaulted chamber, opening on one hand
upon the court, where one or two fellows, with bare
arms, were rubbing down the horses of the last arrivals.
A torch or two, each stuck in an iron ring against
the wall, changefully lit up the scene.
Dick, blowing out his lamp lest it should attract
attention, led the way up-stairs and along the corridor.
In the brown chamber the rope had been made fast
to the frame of an exceeding heavy and ancient bed.
It had not been detached, and Dick, taking the coil
to the window, began to lower it slowly and cautiously
into the darkness of the night. Joan stood by;
but as the rope lengthened, and still Dick continued
to pay it out, extreme fear began to conquer her resolution.
