256 MASTER SKYLARK

of the press and away like a deer down a covert lane be-
tween two shops ere one could say, “Jack, Robin’s son,”
and left the stout apprentices at every flying leap. So
presently they all gave over the chase, and came back with
the bag he had dropped as he ran ; and were so well pleased
with themselves for what they had done that they gave
three cheers for all the Cloth-workers and Saddlers in
London, and then three more for Cicely and Nick. They
would no doubt have gone right on and given three for
the bag likewise, being strongly in the humor of it; but
“Hi, Tom Webster!” shouted one who could hardly speak
for cherries and cheese and puffing, “what ’s gone with
the queen we ’re to have so fast, and the toll that we ’re
to take?”

Tom Webster pulled at his yellow beard, for he saw
that Cicely was no common child, and of gentler birth
than they. “I do not think she ’ll bide the toll,” said he,
in half apology.

“What! is there anything to pay?” she asked with a
rueful quaver in her voice. “Oh, Nick, there is to pay!”

“We have no money, sirs,” said Nick; “I be very
sorry.”

“Tf my father were here,” said Cicely, “he would give
thee a handful of silver; but I have not a penny to my
name.” She looked up into Tom Webster’s face. “But,
sir,” said she, and laid her hand upon his arm, “if ye care,
I will kiss thee upon the cheek.”

“Why, marry come up! My faith!” quoth he, and
suddenly blushed—to his own surprise the most of all—