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。