The black arrow : a tale of two roses

Dedication

Critic on the Hearth,

No one but myself knows what I have suffered, nor what my books have gained, by your unsleeping watchfulness and admirable Pertinacity. And now here is a volume that goes into the world and lacks your imprimatur : a strange thing in our joint lives ; and the reason of it stranger still ! I have watched with interest, with pain, and at length with amusement, your unavailing attempts to peruse “The Black Arrow ” ; and I think I should lack humour indeed, if I let the occasion slip and did not place your name in the flyleaf of the only book of mine that you have never read — and never will read.

That others may display more constancy is still my hope. The tale was written years ago for a particular audience and (I may say) in rivalry with a particular author ; I think I should do well to name him — Mr. Alfred R. Phillips. It was not without its reward at the time. I could not, indeed, displace Mr. Phillips from his well-won priority ; but in the eyes of readers who thought less than nothing of “ Treasure Island “ The Black Arrow ” was supposed to mark a clear advance. Those who read volumes and those who read story papers belong to different worlds. The verdict on “ Treasure Island ” was reversed in the other court : I wonder, will it be the same with its successor ?

Book I.— THE TWO LADS

I. At the Sign of the “ Sun ” in Kettley 29

II. In the Fen 38

III. The Fen Ferry 45

IV. A Greenwood Company .... 53

V. “ Bloody as the Hunter ” . . . 62

VI. To the Day’s End 71

VII. The Hooded Face 79

Book II.— THE MOAT HOUSE

I. Dick asks Questions .... 91

II. The Two Oaths ...... 100

III. The Room over the Chapel . . . 108

IV. The Passage 116

V How Dick changed Sides . . . 121

Book III.— MY LORD FOXHAM

I. The House by the Shore . . . 133

II. A Skirmish in the Dark . . .141

VI

CONTENTS

III. St. Bride’s Cross 148

IV. The “ Good Hope ” . . . . . 152

V. The “ Good Hope ” (continued) . . 161

VI. The “ Good Hope ” (concluded) . .168

Book IV.— THE DISGUISE II. “ In Mine Enemies’ House ” . . 185

III. The Dead Spy . . . . . . 195

IV. In the Abbey Church .... 203

V. Earl Risingham . . . . . 213

VI. Arblaster again . . . . . 217