`` Brother , y ' are but a child , '' replied the old outlaw , pausing and turning his face upon Dick from the threshold of the den . `` I am a kind old Christian , and no traitor to men 's blood , and no sparer of mine own in a friend 's jeopardy . But , fool , child , I am a thief by trade and birth and habit . If my bottle were empty and my mouth dry , I would rob you , dear child , as sure as I love , honour , and admire your parts and person ! Can it be clearer spoken ? No . '' And he stumped forth through the bushes with a snap of his big fingers . Dick , thus left alone , after a wondering thought upon the inconsistencies of his companion 's character , hastily produced , reviewed , and buried his papers . One only he reserved to carry along with him , since it in nowise compromised his friends , and yet might serve him , in a pinch , against Sir Daniel . That was the knight 's own letter to Lord Wensleydale , sent by Throgmorton , on the morrow of the defeat at Risingham , and found next day by Dick upon the body of the messenger . Then , treading down the embers of the fire , Dick left the den , and rejoined the old outlaw , who stood awaiting him under the leafless oaks , and was already beginning to be powdered by the falling snow . Each looked upon the other , and each laughed , so thorough and so droll was the disguise . `` Yet I would it were but summer and a clear day , '' grumbled the outlaw , `` that I might see myself in the mirror of a pool . There be many of Sir Daniel 's men that know me ; and if we fell to be recognised , there might be two words for you , brother , but as for me , in a paternoster while , I should be kicking in a rope 's - end . '' Thus they set forth together along the road to Shoreby , which , in this part of its course , kept near along the margin or the forest , coming forth , from time to time , in the open country , and passing beside poor folks ' houses and small farms . Presently at sight of one of these , Lawless pulled up . `` Brother Martin , '' he said , in a voice capitally disguised , and suited to his monkish robe , `` let us enter and seek alms from these poor sinners . Pax vobiscum ! Ay , '' he added , in his own voice , '' 't is as I feared ; I have somewhat lost the whine of it ; and by your leave , good Master Shelton , ye must suffer me to practise in these country places , before that I risk my fat neck by entering Sir Daniel 's . But look ye a little , what an excellent thing it is to be a Jack-of-all-trades !
An I had not been a shipman , ye had infallibly gone down in the Good Hope ; an I had not been a thief , I could not have painted me your face ; and but that I had been a Grey Friar , and sung loud in the choir , and ate hearty at the board , I could not have carried this XXXXX , but the very dogs would have spied us out and barked at us for shams . ''
added coming disguise disguised kicking know practise risk sent set