But let us see what they have written . It is as I thought , my lord ; y ' are marked , like an old oak , by the woodman ; to-morrow or next day , by will come the axe . But what wrote ye in a letter ? '' Lord Shoreby snatched the paper from the arrow , read it , crumpled it between his hands , and , overcoming the reluctance which had hitherto withheld him from approaching , threw himself on his knees beside the body and eagerly groped in the wallet . He rose to his feet with a somewhat unsettled countenance . `` Gossip , '' he said , `` I have indeed lost a letter here that much imported ; and could I lay my hand upon the knave that took it , he should incontinently grace a halter . But let us , first of all , secure the issues of the house . Here is enough harm already , by St. George ! '' Sentinels were posted close around the house and garden ; a sentinel on every landing of the stair , a whole troop in the main entrance-hall ; and yet another about the bonfire in the shed . Sir Daniel 's followers were supplemented by Lord Shoreby 's ; there was thus no lack of men or weapons to make the house secure , or to entrap a lurking enemy , should one be there . Meanwhile , the body of the spy was carried out through the falling snow and deposited in the abbey church . It was not until these dispositions had been taken , and all had returned to a decorous silence , that the two girls drew Richard Shelton from his place of concealment , and made a full report to him of what had passed . He , upon his side , recounted the visit of the spy , his dangerous discovery , and speedy end . Joanna leaned back very faint against the curtained wall . `` It will avail but little , '' she said . `` I shall be wed to-morrow , in the morning , after all ! '' `` What ! '' cried her friend . `` And here is our paladin that driveth lions like mice ! Ye have little faith , of a surety .
But XXXXX , friend lion-driver , give us some comfort ; speak , and let us hear bold counsels . ''
come deposited falling lurking read rose secure threw wed written