seeing the look of dismay upon the other's face, he stopped.

"Nicholas," said Manners, "thou shalt do naught but stand. I must see
Dorothy. I shall," he added determinedly. "Some way or other I
shall see her; even though blood be shed I shall do it," and in the
intensity of his feelings he involuntarily put his hand down to his
side to feel for the dagger which was not there.

"I fear thou art too venturesome," expostulated his friend, quietly.

"I am desperate," he replied; "and you, Nicholas, by simply standing
still might help me as much as I require, and might, perchance,
prevent bloodshed, too."

"Hush, friend John, talk not thus foolishly."

"And the blood will be upon your head," continued the distracted
lover. "With or without your aid I must, I shall, see Doll; and that
soon. You know my word is not lightly broken. Did I not succour thee
and save thy life when all conspired against thee?"

"Aye, in truth, and--"

"And I call upon you now, Nicholas, to discharge that debt," pursued
Manners, hotly. "You must; I am resolved, I am well nigh desperate;
and Father Philip sanctioned the troth, Nicholas, and blessed us ere
he died."

"Is that so?"