Be wary , for their sakes , and make not shipwreck of your safety . '' `` Ay , '' added Joanna , `` go , Dick . Ye run no more peril , whether ye go or stay . Go ; ye take my heart with you ; the saints defend you ! '' Dick passed the first sentry with so assured a countenance that the fellow merely figeted and stared ; but at the second landing the man carried his spear across and bade him name his business . '' Pax vobiscum , '' answered Dick . `` I go to pray over the body of this poor Rutter . '' `` Like enough , '' returned the sentry ; `` but to go alone is not permitted you . '' He leaned over the oaken balusters and whistled shrill . `` One cometh ! '' he cried ; and then motioned Dick to pass . At the foot of the stair he found the guard afoot and awaiting his arrival ; and when he had once more repeated his story , the commander of the post ordered four men out to accompany him to the church . `` Let him not slip , my lads , '' he said . `` Bring him to Sir Oliver , on your lives ! '' The door was then opened ; one of the men took Dick by either arm , another marched ahead with a link , and the fourth , with bent bow and the arrow on the string , brought up the rear . In this order they proceeded through the garden , under the thick darkness of the night and the scattering snow , and drew near to the dimly-illuminated windows of the abbey church . At the western portal a picket of archers stood , taking what shelter they could find in the hollow of the arched doorways , and all powdered with the snow ; and it was not until Dick 's conductors had exchanged a word with these , that they were suffered to pass forth and enter the nave of the sacred edifice . The church was doubtfully lighted by the tapers upon the great altar , and by a lamp or two that swung from the arched roof before the private chapels of illustrious families . In the midst of the choir the dead spy lay , his limbs piously composed , upon a bier . A hurried mutter of prayer sounded along the arches ; cowled figures knelt in the stalls of the choir , and on the steps of the high altar a priest in pontifical vestments celebrated mass .
Upon this fresh entrance , one of the cowled figures arose , and , coming down the steps which elevated the level of the choir above that of the nave , demanded from the leader of the four men what business XXXXX him to the church .
answered awaiting brought composed drew lighted ordered passed returned take