第 4 节
作者:
乐乐陶陶 更新:2021-02-27 00:57 字数:2946
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
Hatch。 There are worse rogues afoot than Bennet。 So; God…speed!〃
〃And Heaven be with you; Bennet!〃 returned Dick。 〃Ye were a good
friend to me…ward; and so I shall say ever。〃
〃And; look ye; master;〃 added Hatch; with a certain embarrassment;
〃if this Amend…All should get a shaft into me; ye might; mayhap;
lay out a gold mark or mayhap a pound for my poor soul; for it is
like to go stiff with me in purgatory。〃
〃Ye shall have your will of it; Bennet;〃 answered Dick。 〃But; what
cheer; man! we shall meet again; where ye shall have more need of
ale than masses。〃
〃The saints so grant it; Master Dick!〃 returned the other。 〃But
here comes Sir Oliver。 An he were as quick with the long…bow as
with the pen; he would be a brave man…at…arms。〃
Sir Oliver gave Dick a sealed packet; with this superscription:
〃To my ryght worchypful master; Sir Daniel Brackley; knyght; be
thys delyvered in haste。〃
And Dick; putting it in the bosom of his jacket; gave the word and
set forth westward up the village。