The spirit with which these words were uttered, the looks with which they were accompanied, staggered d**k; and yet he could not but observe that he had got no answer.
"I desire nothing more earnestly, Sir Daniel, than to believe you," he replied. "Assure me ye are free from this."
"Will ye take my word of honour, d**k?" inquired the knight.
"That would I," answered the lad.
"I give it you," returned Sir Daniel. "Upon my word of honour, upon the eternal welfare of my spirit, and as I shall answer for my deeds hereafter, I had no hand nor portion in your father's death."
He extended his hand, and d**k took it eagerly. Neither of them observed the priest, who, at the pronunciation of that solemn and false oath, had half arisen from his seat in an agony of horror and remorse.
"Ah," crie
