``Ifthelongletterswerebows，andtheshortlettersbroadarrows，Imightknowsomethingofthematter，’’saidthebraveyeoman；``butasthematterstands，themeaningisassafe，forme，asthestagthat’sattwelvemilesdistance。’’
``Imustbeclerk，then，’’saidtheBlackKnight；
andtakingtheletterfromLocksley，hefirstreaditovertohimself，andthenexplainedthemeaninginSaxontohisconfederates。
``ExecutethenobleCedric！’’exclaimedWamba；
``bytherood，thoumustbemistaken，SirKnight。’’