against the wall, with his feet outstretched. There was something he
held out toward me, groping for my hand and at the same time
whispering in a thick, choking voice--

"Here, Jack, here: pocket it quick!"

'Twas a letter, and as my fingers closed on it they met a damp smear,
the meaning of which was but too plain.

"Button it--sharp--in thy breast: now feel for my sword."

"First let me tend thy hurt, dear lad."

"Nay--quickly, my sword! 'Tis pretty, Jack, to hear thee say 'dear
lad.' A cheat to die like this--could have laugh'd for years yet.
The dice were cogg'd--hast found it?"

I groped beside him, found the hilt, and held it up.

"So--'tis thine, Jack: and my mare, Molly, and the letter to take.
Say to Delia--Hark! they are on the stairs. Say to--"

With a shout the door was flung wide, and on the threshold stood the
Watch, their lanterns held high and shining in Anthony's white face,
and on the black stain where his doublet was thrown open.

In numbers they were six or eight, led by a small, wrynecked man
that held a long staff, and wore a gilt chain over his furr'd collar.
Behind, in the doorway, were huddled half a dozen women, peering:
and Master Davenant at the back of all, his great face looming over