Then Hugh held water in midstream.
"I must land you here among the willows," he said.
"Here is no path but willow swamps and quagmires," answered Dick.
"Master Shelton," replied Hugh, "I dare not take ye nearer down, for your own sake now.

He watcheth me the ferry, lying on his bow.

All that go by and owe Sir Daniel goodwill, he shooteth down like rabbits.

I heard him swear it by the rood.

An I had not known you of old days--ay, and from so high upward--I would 'a' let you go on; but for old days' remembrance, and because ye had this toy with you that's not fit for wounds or warfare, I did risk my two poor ears to have you over whole.
Content you; I can no more, on my salvation!" Hugh was still speaking, lying on his oars, when there came a great shout from among the willows on the island, and sounds followed as of a strong man breasting roughly through the wood.
"A murrain!" cried Hugh.